Chronic activation of corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptors reveals a key role for 5-HT1A receptor responsiveness in mediating behavioral and serotonergic responses to stressful challenge.

BACKGROUND: The corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor (CRFR2) is suggested to play an important role in aiding recovery from acute stress, but any chronic effects of CRFR2 activation are unknown. CRFR2 in the midbrain raphé nuclei modulate serotonergic activity of this key source of serotonin (5-HT) forebrain innervation. METHODS: Transgenic mice overexpressing the highly specific CRFR2 ligand urocortin 3 (UCN3OE) were analyzed for stress-related behaviors and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses. Responses to 5-HT receptor agonist challenge were assessed by local cerebral glucose utilization, while 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid content were quantified in limbic brain regions. RESULTS: Mice overexpressing urocortin 3 exhibited increased stress-related behaviors under basal conditions and impaired retention of spatial memory compared with control mice. Following acute stress, unlike control mice, they exhibited no further increase in these stress-related behaviors and showed an attenuated adrenocorticotropic hormone response. 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid content of limbic nuclei were differentially regulated by stress in UCN3OE mice as compared with control mice. Responses to 5-HT type 1A receptor challenge were significantly and specifically reduced in UCN3OE mice. The distribution pattern of local cerebral glucose utilization and 5-HT type 1A receptor messenger RNA expression levels suggested this effect was mediated in the raphé nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic activation of CRFR2 promotes an anxiety-like state, yet with attenuated behavioral and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress. This is reminiscent of stress-related atypical psychiatric syndromes such as posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain states. This new understanding indicates CRFR2 antagonism as a potential novel therapeutic target for such disorders.

Cerebral metabolic responses to 5-HT2A/C receptor activation in mice with genetically modified serotonin transporter (SERT) expression.

Variation in the human serotonin transporter gene (hSERT; 5-HTT) resulting in a life-long alteration in SERT function influences anxiety and the risk of developing affective disorders. The mechanisms underlying the influence of the hSERT gene on these phenotypes remain unclear but may involve altered 5-HT receptor function. Here we characterise the cerebral metabolic response to 5-HT(2A/C) receptor activation in two transgenic mouse models of altered SERT function, SERT knock-out (SERT KO) and hSERT over-expressing (hSERT OE) mice, to test the hypothesis that genetically mediated variability in SERT expression alters 5-HT(2A/C) function. We found that a constitutive increase in SERT expression (hSERT OE) enhanced, whereas a constitutive decrease in SERT expression (SERT KO) attenuated, 5-HT(2A/C) function. Therefore, altered 5-HT(2A/C) receptor functioning in response to hSERT gene variation may contribute to its influence on affective phenotypes.

Elevated BDNF protein level in cortex but not in hippocampus of MDMA-treated Dark Agouti rats: a potential link to the long-term recovery of serotonergic axons.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is a widely used recreational drug known to cause selective long-term serotonergic damage. In this study, we examined the pattern of BDNF protein expression 1 day, 3, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after a single 15mg/kg i.p. dose of MDMA to adolescent Dark Agouti rats. In parallel, we measured either tryptophan-hydroxylase immunoreactive (TpH IR) axon density, or [(3)H]-paroxetine-binding in parietal cortex and hippocampus, two brain areas known to have different recovery capacity after MDMA, to test whether BDNF-levels were associated with the long-term recovery of serotonergic fibers after a neurotoxic dose of MDMA. Both TpH IR axon density and [(3)H]-paroxetine-binding were significantly decreased 3 weeks after the treatment in both brain areas but while normalization in both parameters was found in parietal cortex 24 weeks after treatment, significant decreases remained evident in the hippocampus. In the parietal cortex, a significant reduction in BDNF protein levels was found in the acute phase after treatment (1 day), which was followed by a robust increase 8 weeks later and a return to control levels by 12 weeks. In contrast, no significant alteration of BDNF protein level was found in the hippocampus at any time points. This absence of any significant increase in BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus, and the persistence in this region of decreases in TpH IR axon density and [(3)H]-paroxetine-binding, raises the possibility that BDNF has an important role in the long-term recovery of serotonergic axons after MDMA treatment.

Acute tryptophan depletion in C57BL/6 mice does not induce central serotonin reduction or affective behavioural changes.

Acute tryptophan depletion is extensively used to investigate the implication of serotonin in the onset of depressive disorders. In rats, it lowers peripheral tryptophan and decreases central serotonin concentrations. We aimed to establish the rat model of acute tryptophan depletion in the mouse for potential application as serotonin challenge tool in genetic mouse models of depression. Pharmacokinetic and behavioural effects of a tryptophan-free diet were examined in Swiss and C57BL/6 mice. Peripheral amino acids were measured and central tryptophan and serotonin concentrations were compared with anxiety and depression-like behaviour in the elevated zero-maze, forced swimming test or tail suspension test. While acute tryptophan depletion resulted in a 74% reduction of the plasma ratio tryptophan to the sum of other large neutral amino acids in Swiss mice 1h after administration (2x10 ml/kg, 30 min interval), there was only a 40% reduction in C57BL/6 mice. The latter did not show anxiety in the elevated zero-maze or increased immobility in the forced swimming test or tail suspension test. A higher dose (2x20 ml/kg) with a longer interval (60 min) reduced the ratio with 68% in C57BL/6 mice, lowered hippocampal serotonin turnover and had no functional effect when tested in the elevated zero-maze and forced swimming test. These findings have important implications for the use of acute tryptophan depletion in general and in particular for its application in mice. Although in healthy mice no clear central serotonin or functional effects were observed, further research is indicated using mice with pre-existing serotonin dysfunction, as they might be more vulnerable to acute tryptophan depletion.

Acute tryptophan depletion potentiates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced cerebrovascular hyperperfusion in adult male Wistar rats.

The serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) dysfunction found in depression may affect not only brain function (mood) but also cerebrovascular control. Similar, but possibly occult, disturbances may also be induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity (MDMA, or "ecstasy"). Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) is widely used to identify vulnerability to depression, and we hypothesized that repeated MDMA administration would increase the sensitivity of rats to this acute serotonergic challenge. In this study, male Wistar rats were injected with MDMA (20 mg kg(-1), twice daily for 4 days) and challenged 3 weeks later with ATD, induced by intragastric administration of a nutritional mixture with tryptophan (TRP) removed. Cerebral metabolism (CMRG) and blood flow (CBF) were measured in parallel groups of animals following ATD by using quantitative [(14)C]2-deoxyglucose and [(14)C]iodoantipyrine autoradiographic techniques, respectively. A significant reduction in paroxetine binding to 5-HT transporter sites in MDMA-treated rats indicated 5HT terminal depletion, whereas the plasma TRP/sum large neutral amino acids ratio was reduced by 40% following ATD. Under all experimental conditions, the normal close correlation between CBF and metabolic demand was maintained. However, a global analysis of all brain regions revealed a significant decrease in the overall ratio of CBF to CMRG after ATD in control animals, whereas a higher ratio was observed after ATD in the MDMA-treated group. This increase in blood flow relative to cerebral metabolism suggests an ATD-induced loss of cerebrovascular tone in MDMA-treated animals that could have pathophysiological consequences and might conceivably contribute to the behavioral dysfunction of depression.

Acute SSRI-induced anxiogenic and brain metabolic effects are attenuated 6 months after initial MDMA-induced depletion.

To assess the functional state of the serotonergic system, the acute behavioural and brain metabolic effect of SSRI antidepressants were studied during the recovery period after MDMA-induced neuronal damage. The effects of the SSRI fluoxetine and the serotonin receptor agonist meta-chloro-phenylpiperazine (m-CPP) were investigated in the social interaction test in Dark Agouti rats, 6 months after treatment with a single dose of MDMA (15 or 30 mg kg(-1), i.p.). At earlier time points these doses of MDMA have been shown to cause 30-60% loss in axonal densities in several brain regions. Densities of the serotonergic axons were assessed using serotonin-transporter and tryptophan-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. In a parallel group of animals, brain function was examined following an acute challenge with either fluoxetine or citalopram, using 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic imaging. Six months after MDMA treatment the densities of serotonergic axons were decreased in only a few brain areas including hippocampus and thalamus. Basal anxiety was unaltered in MDMA-treated animals. However, the acute anxiogenic effects of fluoxetine, but not m-CPP, were attenuated in animals pretreated with MDMA. The metabolic response to both citalopram and fluoxetine was normal in most of the brain areas examined with the exception of ventromedial thalamus and hippocampal sub-fields where the response was attenuated. These data provide evidence that 6 months after MDMA-induced damage serotonergic axons show recovery in most brain areas, but serotonergic functions to challenges with SSRIs including anxiety and aggression remain altered.

Sex influences the effect of a lifelong increase in serotonin transporter function on cerebral metabolism.

Polymorphic variation in the human serotonin transporter (SERT; 5-HTT) gene resulting in a lifelong increase in SERT expression is associated with reduced anxiety and a reduced risk of affective disorder. Evidence also suggests that sex influences the effect of this polymorphism on affective functioning. Here we use novel transgenic mice overexpressing human SERT (hSERT OVR) to investigate the possible influence of sex on the alterations in SERT protein expression and cerebral function that occur in response to increased SERT gene transcription. SERT binding levels were significantly increased in the brain of hSERT OVR mice in a region-dependent manner. The increased SERT binding in hSERT OVR mice was more pronounced in female than in male mice. Cerebral metabolism, as reflected by a quantitative index of local cerebral glucose utilization (iLCMRglu), was significantly decreased in many brain regions in hSERT OVR female as compared with wild-type female mice, whereas there was no evidence for a significant effect in any region in males. The ability of hSERT overexpression to modify cerebral metabolism was significantly greater in females than in males. This effect was particularly pronounced in the medial striatum, globus pallidus, somatosensory cortex, mamillary body, and ventrolateral thalamus. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the influence of a lifelong increase in SERT gene transcription on cerebral function is greater in females than in males and may relate, in part, to the influence of sex on genetically driven increases in SERT protein expression.

Novel analysis for improved validity in semi-quantitative 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic imaging.

The original [(14)C]-2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic imaging technique allows for the quantitative determination of local cerebral glucose utilisation (LCMRglu) [Sokoloff L, Reivich, M, Kennedy C, Desrosiers M, Patlak C, Pettigrew K, et al. The 2-deoxyglucose-C-14 method for measurement of local cerebral glucose utilisation-theory, procedure and normal values in conscious and anestherized albino rats. J Neurochem 1977;28:897-916]. The range of applications to which the quantitative method can be readily applied is limited, however, by the requirement for the intermittent measurement of arterial radiotracer and glucose concentrations throughout the experiment, via intravascular cannulation. Some studies have applied a modified, semi-quantitative approach to estimate LCMRglu while circumventing the requirement for intravascular cannulation [Kelly S, Bieneman A, Uney J, McCulloch J. Cerebral glucose utilization in transgenic mice over-expressing heat shock protein 70 is altered by dizocilpine. Eur J Neurosci 2002;15(6):945-52; Jordan GR, McCulloch J, Shahid M, Hill DR, Henry B, Horsburgh K. Regionally selective and dose-dependent effects of the ampakines Org 26576 and Org 24448 on local cerebral glucose utilisation in the mouse as assessed by C-14-2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. Neuropharmacology 2005;49(2):254-64]. In this method only a terminal blood sample is collected for the determination of plasma [(14)C] and [glucose] and the rate of LCMRglu in each brain region of interest (RoI) is estimated by comparing the [(14)C] concentration in each region relative to a selected control region, which is proposed to demonstrate metabolic stability between the experimental groups. Here we show that the semi-quantitative method has reduced validity in the measurement of LCMRglu as compared to the quantitative method and that the validity of this technique is further compromised by the inability of the methods applied within the analysis to appropriately determine metabolic stability in the selected standard region. To address these issues we have developed a novel form of analysis that provides an index of LCMRglu (iLCMRglu) for application when using the semi-quantitative approach. Provided that the methodological constraints inherent in 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography (e.g. normoglycaemia) are met this analytical technique both increases the validity of LCMRglu estimation by the semi-quantitative method and also allows for its broader experimental application.

Persistent cerebrovascular effects of MDMA and acute responses to the drug.

Acutely, 3,4,-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induces cerebrovascular dysfunction [Quate et al., (2004)Psychopharmacol., 173, 287-295]. In the longer term the same single dose results in depletion of 5-hydroxytrptamine (5-HT) nerve terminals. In this study we examined the cerebrovascular consequences of this persistent neurodegeneration, and the acute effects of subsequent MDMA exposure, upon the relationship that normally exists between local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglu). Dark agouti (DA) rats were pre-treated with 15 mg/kg i.p. MDMA or saline. Three weeks later, rats from each pre-treatment group were treated with an acute dose of MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.) or saline. Quantitative autoradiographic imaging was used to measure LCBF or LCMRglu with [(14)C]-iodoantipyrine and [(14)C]-2-deoxyglucose, respectively. Serotonergic terminal depletion was assessed using radioligand binding with [(3)H]-paroxetine and immunohistochemistry. Three weeks after MDMA pre-treatment there were significant reductions in densities of 5-HT transporter (SERT)-positive fibres (-46%) and [(3)H]-paroxetine binding (-47%). In animals pre-treated with MDMA there were widespread significant decreases in LCMRglu, but no change in LCBF indicating a persistent loss of cerebrovascular constrictor tone. In both pre-treatment groups, acute MDMA produced significant increases in LCMRglu, while LCBF was significantly decreased. In 50% of MDMA-pre-treated rats, random areas of focal hyperaemia indicated a loss of autoregulatory capacity in response to MDMA-induced hypertension. These results suggest that cerebrovascular regulatory dysfunction resulting from acute exposure to MDMA is not diminished by previous exposure, despite a significant depletion in 5-HT terminals. However, there may be a sub-population, or individual circumstances, in which this dysfunction develops into a condition that might predispose to stroke.

Memory reconsolidation: sensitivity of spatial memory to inhibition of protein synthesis in dorsal hippocampus during encoding and retrieval.

Reconsolidation is a putative neuronal process in which the retrieval of a previously consolidated memory returns it to a labile state that is once again subject to stabilization. This study explored the idea that reconsolidation occurs in spatial memory when animals retrieve memory under circumstances in which new memory encoding is likely to occur. Control studies confirmed that intrahippocampal infusions of anisomycin inhibited protein synthesis locally and that the spatial training protocols we used are subject to overnight protein synthesis-dependent consolidation. We then compared the impact of anisomycin in two conditions: when memory retrieval occurred in a reference memory task after performance had reached asymptote over several days; and after a comparable extent of training of a delayed matching-to-place task in which new memory encoding was required each day. Sensitivity to intrahippocampal anisomycin was observed only in the protocol involving new memory encoding at the time of retrieval.

Partial lesion of the serotonergic system by a single dose of MDMA results in behavioural disinhibition and enhances acute MDMA-induced social behaviour on the social interaction test.

The acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) on anxiety-related behaviours were studied using indices of social interaction in Dark Agouti (DA) both drug naive rats and those pretreated with MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.) 3 weeks earlier. The functional neuroanatomy of these MDMA effects was visualised using 2-deoxyglucose imaging of local cerebral glucose use (LCMRglu), whilst MDMA-induced serotonergic neurotoxicity was measured by radioligand binding with [3H]paroxetine. Acute MDMA alone markedly decreased most typical elements of social interaction but increased adjacent lying, a behaviour that also contains social elements. In animals pre-exposed to MDMA, decreased [3H]paroxetine binding indicated serotonergic terminal depletion, and in these animals significant increases in locomotor activity, exploratory behaviour and aggressive behaviour were found. Both behavioural effects and also the metabolic activation induced by acute MDMA were potentiated in rats previously exposed to the drug. In conclusion, a single dose of MDMA caused marked changes in social behaviour acutely that might be interpreted either as a decrease or increase in anxiety. Three weeks after MDMA a behavioural disinhibition similar to psychomotor agitation, a symptom connected to depression or mania, and a sensitization to the acute effects of MDMA are apparent in both the behavioural and brain metabolic effects of the drug.

Acute and long-term effects of a single dose of MDMA on aggression in Dark Agouti rats.

MDMA causes selective depletion of serotonergic terminals in experimental animals and the consequent decrease in synaptic 5-HT may, inter alia, increase impulsivity. To study the effects of MDMA upon brain function, the behaviour of male Dark Agouti rats exposed to MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.), two 5-HT1B agonists (CGS-12066A and CP-94,253, both 5 mg/kg i.p.) or saline were investigated in the resident-intruder test. Studies were performed in drug-naive rats and also in rats exposed to MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.) 21 d earlier. In parallel experiments the functional neuroanatomy of MDMA effects were assessed using 2-deoxyglucose imaging of local cerebral metabolic rate of glucose utilization (LCMRGlu) and neurotoxicity was assessed by measuring [3H]paroxetine binding. There was no significant difference in aggressive behaviour (biting, boxing, wrestling and their latencies) between drug-naive rats and rats previously exposed to MDMA 21 d earlier, despite reduced social behaviour, decreased LCMRGlu in several brain areas involved in aggression, and reductions in paroxetine binding by 30-60% in the forebrain. CGS-12066A, CP-94,253 and acute MDMA produced marked decreases in aggressive behaviours, especially in biting, boxing and kicking found in drug-naive rats. In animals previously exposed to the drug, acute anti-aggressive effects of MDMA were, in general, preserved as were MDMA-induced increases in LCMRGlu. Our studies provide evidence that in the resident-intruder test, where social isolation is a requirement, aggressive behaviour and acute anti-aggressive effects of MDMA and 5-HT1B receptor agonists remain intact 3 wk after a single dose of the drug despite significant damage to the serotonergic system.

Effects of a single dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on circadian patterns, motor activity and sleep in drug-naive rats and rats previously exposed to MDMA.

RATIONALE: Despite the well documented neurochemical actions of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), acute effects in rats previously exposed to the drug have not been extensively explored. OBJECTIVE: To examine motor activity and vigilance effects of MDMA in drug-naive rats and in rats exposed to the drug 3 weeks earlier. METHODS: MDMA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to Dark Agouti rats. Motor activity, wakefulness, light slow wave sleep (SWS-1), deep slow wave sleep (SWS-2) and paradoxical sleep (PS), sleep and PS latencies were measured. Acrophases and amplitudes of the 24 h cycles were calculated by cosinor analysis. In parallel groups, local cerebral glucose utilization (lCMRglu) and (3H)-paroxetine binding were measured in motor areas of the brain. RESULTS: In drug-naive rats MDMA caused marked increases in motor activity and wakefulness for at least 5-6 h. Circadian patterns of motor activity and sleep/vigilance parameters were altered up to 5 days after treatment. Despite most parameters tending to return to normal, there were still significant effects of MDMA on motor activity, wakefulness, and SWS-2 28 days later. Acute MDMA administration caused significant increases in lCMRglu, but after 3 weeks lCMRglu was decreased in the same brain areas. No significant change in [3H]paroxetine binding was observed in motor areas, although significant reductions were seen elsewhere (neocortex -81%). In rats exposed to MDMA 3 weeks earlier, most acute effects induced by MDMA administration were similar to those in drug-naive rats, but shorter duration of the acute effects were found in motor activity and vigilance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence that MDMA use can lead to long-term changes in regulation of circadian rhythms, motor activity and sleep generation.

Acute methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration: effects on local cerebral blood flow and glucose utilisation in the Dark Agouti rat.

RATIONALE: Clinical reports indicate that acute exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") may induce pathological cerebrovascular responses in human users of the drug, however, the mechanism by which MDMA might effect these pathological changes is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of acute MDMA administration on the relationship between local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilisation (LCMRglu); to determine the effect, if any, acute exposure to MDMA has on the cerebral circulation, independently of alterations in cerebral metabolic demand. METHODS: Dark Agouti rats were injected with 15 mg.kg(-1) i.p. MDMA or saline equivalent. LCBF and LCMRglu were measured in 50 brain areas using the fully quantitative [14C]iodoantipyrine and [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic techniques, respectively. RESULTS: MDMA produced significant increases in LCMRglu in 23 brain areas, most markedly in the motor system (globus pallidus; +82%; medial striatum; +71%). In contrast, significant decreases in LCBF were observed in 28 brain areas, most markedly in primary sensory nuclei (superior colliculus; -32%) and limbic areas (anterior thalamus; -34%). Global analysis revealed a close correlation (r=0.87) between LCMRglu and LCBF with a ratio of 1.53 in controls. Despite the divergence of LCMRglu (increases) and LCBF (decreases) in MDMA-treated groups, there was a similar close correlation (r=0.84), but the ratio was decreased to 1.22. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides clear evidence that acute exposure to MDMA results in cerebrovascular dysfunction. The uncoupling of LCBF from underlying metabolic demand, possibly due to the vasoconstrictor action of 5-HT, could provide the basis for oligaemia-induced pathological changes in the brain.

Programming of rat muscle and fat metabolism by in utero overexposure to glucocorticoids.

In utero overexposure to glucocorticoids may explain the association between low birth weight and subsequent development of the metabolic syndrome. We previously showed that prenatal dexamethasone (dex) exposure in the rat lowers birth weight and programs adult fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia, associated with increased hepatic gluconeogenesis driven by elevated liver glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression. This study aimed to determine whether prenatal dex (100 microg/kg per day from embryonic d 15 to embryonic d 21) programs adult GR expression in skeletal muscle and/or adipose tissue and whether this contributes to altered peripheral glucose uptake or metabolism. In utero dex-exposed rats remained lighter until 6 months of age, despite some early catch-up growth. Adults had smaller epididymal fat pads, with a relative increase in muscle size. Although glycogen storage was reduced in quadriceps, 2-deoxyglucose uptake into extensor digitorum longus muscle was increased by 32% (P < 0.05), whereas uptake in other muscles and adipose beds was unaffected by prenatal dex. GR mRNA was not different in most muscles but selectively reduced in soleus (by 23%, P < 0.05). However, GR mRNA was markedly increased specifically in retroperitoneal fat (by 50%, P < 0.02). This was accompanied by a shift from peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma 1 to gamma 2 expression and a reduction in lipoprotein lipase mRNA (by 28%, P < 0.02). Adipose leptin, uncoupling protein-3 and resistin mRNAs, muscle GLUT-4, and circulating lipids were not affected by prenatal dex. These data suggest that hyperglycemia in 6-month-old rats exposed to dexamethasone in utero is not due to attenuated peripheral glucose disposal. However, increased GR and attenuated fatty acid uptake specifically in visceral adipose are consistent with insulin resistance in this crucial metabolic depot and could indirectly contribute to increased hepatic glucose output.

Functional consequences of perinatal exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in rat brain.

1. In this study we have examined methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced toxicity in perinatal rat brain, related this to normal development of serotonin transporter sites (SERT), and determined whether early exposure to MDMA subsequently alters cerebral function in adults. 2. Perinatal development of SERT was visualized and quantified using [(3)H]-paroxetine binding autoradiography in embryonic and neonatal rat brain from embryonic day 15 (E15) to postnatal day p30 (p30). Cerebral glucose utilization (lCMR(glu)) was measured by 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography in adult rats. 3. [(3)H]-Paroxetine binding was observed in forebrain from E18. From birth (p0), binding was organized into neocortical columns (75% higher at p10 than in adult) which declined toward adult levels between p20 and p25. 4. MDMA treatment (20 mg x kg(-1) s.c. twice daily for four days) commencing at developmental stages from E15 (treatment given to dams) to p20, had no effect upon [(3)H]-paroxetine binding measured at p40. Treatments started on p25 or later resulted in significant decreases in [(3)H]-paroxetine binding (>or=46%). This was coincident with the development of adult patterns of binding in forebrain. 5. Despite the lack of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, rats treated in utero (E15) showed increased lCMR(glu) in locus coeruleus (+37%), and in areas receiving ascending noradrenergic innervation, such as anterior thalamus (+44%) and septal nucleus (+24%). 6 These studies confirm that the susceptibility of serotonergic terminals to the neurotoxic properties of MDMA is absent in the immediate perinatal period, but also suggests that in utero MDMA exposure produces significant long-term effects on cerebral function by a mechanism as yet unknown.