Though MDMA is one of the more popular drugs used in today’s
society, there is surprisingly little research focusing on the effects of MDMA
when taken orally even though the most common administration among users is
orally. A study done by Goodwin, Mueller,
Shell, Ricaurte, and Ator focuses on the behavioral effects of MDMA on baboons
and the correlation that behavioral changes may have with changes in the
concentration of MDMA in the plasma of the subjects.
The study ensured oral administration by using intragastric
catheters and the baboons were closely monitored. The behaviors that were to be
observed include activity levels such as movement or standing, motor coordination,
muscle tension or convulsions, gastrointestinal changes, social behaviors,
aggression, grooming, posture, and responsiveness. Each baboon was observed in both a normal
state and an induced state after infusion of the drug so that each could be its
own control. When behavioral studies
finished, the baboons were sedated so that blood could be drawn to test the
MDMA plasma concentration over time.
The results of the study show that after MDMA was
administered, the baboons tended to eat less than they normally would. Fine motor skills did decrease in the
subjects, but it was not due to an effect on complete motor coordination. Teeth grinding was seen in every subject
after drug administration, but no convulsions were observed. Few examples of gastrointestinal distress
were seen. Some effects of MDMA seen
correlate with effects of MDMA in humans, which can lead to a better understanding
of MDMA effects in humans by observing baboons.
Goodwin, Amy, Melanie Mueller, Courtney Shell, George Ricuarte, and Nancy Ator. "Behavioral Effects and Pharmacokinetics of (±)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) after Intragastric Administration to Baboons." The Journal Of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics 345.3 (2013): n. pag. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Web. 19 May 2013.
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