Changes in ambient temperature differentially alter the thermoregulatory, cardiac and locomotor stimulant effects of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The substituted cathinone compound known as mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; 4-MMC) has become popular with recreational users of psychomotor-stimulant compounds. Only recently have the first preclinical studies provided information about this drug in the scientific literature; nevertheless, media reports have led to drug control actions in the UK and across several US states. Rodent studies indicate that 4-MMC exhibits neuropharmacological similarity to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and prompt investigation of the thermoregulatory, cardiac and locomotor effects of 4-MMC. This study focuses on the role of ambient temperature, which has been shown to shift the effects of MDMA from hyperthermic to hypothermic.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were monit

SUBMITTER: Miller ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3491086 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature