ABSTRACT
3-4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] causes apoptosis in nervous system and several studies suggest that oxidative stress contributes to MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of N-acetyl-L-Cystein [NAC] as an antioxidant on MDMA-induced apoptosis. 21 Sprague dawley male rats [200-250mg] were treated with MDMA [2x0,5mg/kg] or MDMA plus NAC [100mg/kg IP for 7 day]. After last administration of MDMA, rats were killed, cerebellum was removed and Bax and Bcl-2 expression was assessed by western blotting method. The results of this study showed that MDMA causes up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and NAC administration attenuated MDMA-induced apoptosis. The present study suggests that NAC treatment may improve MDMA-induced neurotoxicity.