3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE INDUCES FOS-LIKE PROTEINS IN RAT BASAL GANGLIA - REVERSAL WITH MK-801

Injections of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 25 mg/kg, i.p.) to rats lead to an accumulation of c-fos protein (Fos) and Fos-related antigens in caudate-putamin, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle. This induction occurred at least 2 h (but not at 10 min) after injection and Fos levels had returned to baseline after 24 h, although Fos-related antigens remained elevated 24 h after injection. The NMDA antagonist MK 801 inhibited Fos and Fos-related antigen induction after MDMA injections, whereas fluoxetine, a serotonin uptake inhibitor, had no effect. Thus, MDMA induces Fos and Fos-related antigens in striatal neurons in an NMDA-reversible fashion.