NeuN Expression Alterations in the Hippocampus Following Ecstasy Treatment

Background: The administration of ۳-۴-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) leads to learning and memory impairment. Objectives: Due to the effect of neurogenesis on memory and learning, in this study, we investigated the effects of MDMA on NeuN expression (a marker of neurogenesis) in the hippocampus. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (weighing ۲۰۰ - ۲۵۰ g) received a single intraperitoneal dose of ۱۰ mg/kg of MDMA or were left undisrupted. The expression of NeuN was assessed using the immunohistochemistry method ۷, ۱۴, ۲۸, and ۶۰ days following MDMA administration. Results: Our results showed that MDMA administration caused a decrease in NeuN expression in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest a negative correlation between MDMA administration and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Keywords:

Ecstasy , NeuN , Hippocampus , Rat