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Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro

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Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is a recreational drug used worldwide for its distinctive psychotropic effects. Although important cardiovascular effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, have also been described, the vascular effects of MDMA and metabolites and their correlation with hyperthermia (major side effect of MDMA) are not yet fully understood and have not been previously reported. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of MDMA and its main catechol metabolites, alpha-methyldopamine (α-MeDA), N-methyl-alpha-methyldopamine (N-Me-α-MeDA), 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-α-MeDA] and 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-N-methyl-alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-N-Me-α-MeDA], on the 5-HT-dependent vasoactivity in normothermia (37 °C) and hyperthermia (40 °C) of the human internal mammary artery (IMA) in vitro. The results showed the ability of MDMA, α-MeDA and N-Me-α-MeDA to exert vasoconstriction of the IMA which was considerably higher in hyperthermic conditions (about fourfold for MDMA and α-MeDA and twofold for N-Me-α-MeDA). The results also showed that all the compounds may influence the 5-HT-mediated concentration-dependent response of IMA, as MDMA, α-MeDA and N-Me-α-MeDA behaved as partial agonists and 5-(GSH)-α-MeDA and 5-(GSH)-N-Me-α-MeDA as antagonists. In conclusion, MDMA abuse may imply a higher cardiovascular risk associated both to MDMA and its metabolites that might be relevant in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases, particularly in hyperthermia.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge all the support and help in the collection of samples from the nurses of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Coimbra.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal

    D. A. Fonseca, A. F. Guerra & M. D. Cotrim

  2. Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal

    D. A. Fonseca & M. D. Cotrim

  3. CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal

    D. A. Fonseca & M. D. Cotrim

  4. UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    F. Carvalho

  5. UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    E. Fernandes

  6. REQUIMTE/CQFB (Centro de Química Fina e Biotecnologia), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Nova of Lisbon, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal

    L. M. Ferreira & P. S. Branco

  7. Center of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Coimbra University Hospitals, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal

    P. E. Antunes & M. J. Antunes

Authors
  1. D. A. Fonseca
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  2. A. F. Guerra
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  3. F. Carvalho
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  4. E. Fernandes
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  5. L. M. Ferreira
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  6. P. S. Branco
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  7. P. E. Antunes
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  8. M. J. Antunes
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  9. M. D. Cotrim
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Correspondence to D. A. Fonseca.

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Fonseca, D.A., Guerra, A.F., Carvalho, F. et al. Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro. Cardiovasc Toxicol 17, 405–416 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-017-9398-y

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