Effect of PMA optical isomers and 4-MTA in PMMA-trained rats

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 May;72(1-2):299-305. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(01)00776-6.

Abstract

1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMA) and its sulfur analog, 1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-aminopropane (4-MTA), have been misrepresented as the controlled substance analog, N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA; "Ecstasy"). Because MDMA has been shown to produce both amphetamine-like and N-methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMMA)-like stimulus effects in rats, we examined S(+)PMA, R(-)PMA and 4-MTA in rats trained to discriminate either PMMA (1.25 mg/kg) or (+)amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) from saline vehicle. The sulfur analog of PMMA (i.e., 4-MTMA) was also examined. The PMMA stimulus generalized to R(-)PMA (ED50=0.4 mg/kg), whereas S(+)PMA produced a maximum of 72% PMMA-appropriate responding. 4-MTA (ED50=0.3 mg/kg) also substituted for PMMA, but 4-MTMA produced a maximum of only 36% PMMA-appropriate responding. None of the four agents substituted for (+)amphetamine. Hence, like MDMA, R(-)PMA and 4-MTA are capable of producing PMMA stimulus effects in rats, but unlike MDMA, neither agent substituted for (+)amphetamine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Discrimination Learning / drug effects*
  • Discrimination Learning / physiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methamphetamine / chemistry
  • Methamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / analogs & derivatives*
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • paramethoxymethamphetamine
  • Methamphetamine
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine