Evaluation of Bcl-2 family gene expression in hippocampus of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine treated rats

ABSTRACT

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] is an illicit, recreational drug that causes cellular death and neurotoxicity. This study evaluates the effects of different doses of MDMA on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and genes in the hippocampus of adult rats. In this experimental study, a total of 20 male Sprague Dawley rats [200-250 g] were treated with MDMA [0, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg i.p. twice daily] for 7 days. Seven days after the last administration of MDMA, the rats were killed. Bax and Bcl-2 genes in addition to protein expressions were detected by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR].Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p MDMA caused dose dependent up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus. There was a significant alteration in bcl-2 and bax genes density. Changes in apoptosis-related proteins and respective genes relating to Bax and Bcl-2 might be involved in the molecular mechanism of MDMA-induced apoptosis