This paper demonstrates the value of the cupric silver staining technique
in determining the location and extent of brain damage caused by high doses
of MDMA, and suggests that damage is not restricted to serotonergic
neurons. It also suggests that the use of fluoxetine ('Prozac') reduces
toxicity.
Rats were given 4 doses of MDMA at 12-hourly intervals. Doses varied from
25 to 150 mg/kg. The brains were then frozen, sectioned, silver stained and
examined. The staining showed up where damage was caused, which was to
particular parts of the brain.
Fluoxetine at 5 mg/kg did not produce staining on its own When given 30
minutes before MDMA, fluoxetine reduced by about half the volume of tissue
stained "and dramatically reduced the intensity of staining throughout the
affected regions".
Another substance, MK-801 at 1 mg/kg, "virtually eliminated evidence of
MDMA-induced silver staining".
Interpretation is to some extent subjective, and the authors are developing
an automated process for objectively determining the intensity and volume
of staining.
