? MDMA (ecstasy, 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a popular drug of abuse with rising use being coupled with increasing reports of medical complications and emergency department visits. MDMA abuse has been linked with hyperthermia, cardiovascular collapse, renal failure and death. Previous studies have shown that MDMA's toxic effects are dependent on the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidadrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Activation of these systems likewise occurs during stress where it appears to be dependent on the activation of neurons in the region of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). Many of the physiologic effects of MDMA can be replicated by chemical stimulation of neurons in the area of the DMH. These effects include increases in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), temperature, plasma ACTH and locomotor activity. Along with physiologic similarities, the DMH is an anatomic area rich in norepinephrine and dopamine, both integral in mediating MDMA's effects. Based on these findings, it is our central hypothesis that MDMA causes acute increases in norepinephrine and dopamine release in the DMH activating key effector sites involved in the stimulation of the HPTA axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Ultimately activation of these systems causes hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, and cutaneous vasoconstriction, effects which are amplified in a warm environment.
Specific Aims :
The specific aims of this grant will (1) Characterize the role of neurons in the DMH in mediating MDMA's activation of neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous systems in both normal and elevated ambient temperatures, (2) Identify key brain regions whose activation by MDMA is mediated through the DMH (3) Characterize changes in catecholamines in the DMH resulting from administration of MDMA. These studies will be performed in freely moving conscious rats using techniques of; microinjection, biotelemetric physiologic monitoring, radioimmunoassay for the markers of neuroendocrine activation, HPLC analysis of serum and brain catecholamines, microdialysis and C-fos immunohistochemistry. Relevance: The research proposed in this application is significant because through the understanding of the central pathways responsible for MDMA's toxic effects we will come closer to the development of improved treatment strategies for persons abusing MDMA as well as others stimulants. Goals: Through a comprehensive training program including didactic course work and mentored research training it is the goal of the proposal to provide the necessary training and education for the applicant's development as an independent investigator. ? ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08DA020484-01
Application #
7015479
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Frankenheim, Jerry
Project Start
2006-04-15
Project End
2011-03-31
Budget Start
2006-04-15
Budget End
2007-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$181,284
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603007902
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
Rusyniak, Daniel E (2013) Neurologic manifestations of chronic methamphetamine abuse. Psychiatr Clin North Am 36:261-75
Rusyniak, Daniel E; Zaretsky, Dmitry V; Zaretskaia, Maria V et al. (2012) The orexin-1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 decreases sympathetic responses to a moderate dose of methamphetamine and stress. Physiol Behav 107:743-50
Rusyniak, Daniel E; Zaretsky, Dmitry V; Zaretskaia, Maria V et al. (2011) The role of orexin-1 receptors in physiologic responses evoked by microinjection of PgE2 or muscimol into the medial preoptic area. Neurosci Lett 498:162-6
Rusyniak, Daniel E (2011) Neurologic manifestations of chronic methamphetamine abuse. Neurol Clin 29:641-55
Zaretsky, Dmitry V; Zaretskaia, Maria V; Rusyniak, Daniel E et al. (2011) Stress-free microinjections in conscious rats. J Neurosci Methods 199:199-207
Rusyniak, Daniel E; Zaretskaia, Maria V; Zaretsky, Dmitry V et al. (2008) Microinjection of muscimol into the dorsomedial hypothalamus suppresses MDMA-evoked sympathetic and behavioral responses. Brain Res 1226:116-23
Rusyniak, D E; Ootsuka, Y; Blessing, W W (2008) When administered to rats in a cold environment, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine reduces brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and increases tail blood flow: effects of pretreatment with 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 antagonists. Neuroscience 154:1619-26
Rusyniak, Daniel E; Zaretskaia, Maria V; Zaretsky, Dmitry V et al. (2007) 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine- and 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino-tetralin-induced hypothermia: role and location of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 323:477-87