alpha-lipoic acid prevents 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity

A single administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 20 mg/k g, i.p.), induced significant hyperthermia in rats and reduced 5-hydroxytry ptamine (5-HT) content and [H-3]paroxetine-labeled 5-HT transporter density in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus by 40-60% 1 week later, MD MA treatment also increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunore activity in the hippocampus. Repeated administration of the metabolic antio xidant alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d. for 2 consecutive days) 3 0 min prior to MDMA did not prevent the acute hyperthermia induced by the d rug; however, it fully prevented the serotonergic deficits and the changes in the glial response induced by MDMA. These results further support the hy pothesis that free radical formation is responsible for MDMA-induced neurot oxicity. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.