Ecstasy-induced toxicity in rat liver

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of single and repeated administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (M DMA, "ecstasy") on rat liver. Methods: Animals were given an acute (20 mg/k g) and repeated (20 mg/kg, b.i.d., for 4 consecutive days) intraperitoneal dose of MDMA, and at various times after administration the hepatic and ser um determinations were made. Results: The effect of acute MDMA administrati on included increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and an increase i n all enzyme activities 6 h post administration. The toxic effect of MDMA w as also observed in other hepatic processes. Glycogen content showed a mark ed decrease, which was accompanied by a decrease in serum glucose levels. N o significant changes in lipid peroxidation and hepatic GSH content were ob served. In contrast. multiple MDMA administration produced some evidence of oxidative stress, namely, increased MDA content and decreased GSH content, a small decrease in liver glycogen at 3 h recovering 6 h post dose, no eff ect on blood glucose and increased AST and ALP activities but no effects on ALT activity. Seven days after the last MDMA injection a tendency towards recovery was shown. Conclusion: Our results show that the liver toxicity ca used by MDMA administration involves several mechanisms.