Effects of the endogenous PPAR-alpha agonist, oleoylethanolamide on MDMA-induced cognitive deficits in mice.

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an amphetamine derivative widely used for recreational purposes. We have recently shown that repeated treatment with high doses of MDMA-induced impairments in the acquisition and recall of an active avoidance task in mice. In this study, we examined whether the endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) agonist, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) protects against these MDMA-induced deficits. Mice were pretreated twice a day with OEA (0, 5, and 25 mg/kg) 30 min before an injection of MDMA (30 mg/kg) or saline during four consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, animals were trained in an active avoidance task for two consecutive weeks. After a 5-day resting period, a recall session was performed. Mice treated with MDMA showed reduced learning and recall of the task when compared with saline-treated controls. OEA at 5 mg/kg ameliorated and at 25 mg/kg worsened this deficit. Dopamine transporter (DAT)-binding sites significantly decreased 4 days after the last MDMA administration and pretreatment with both doses of OEA prevented this effect. In immunohistochemical studies, coexpression of tyrosine-hydroxylase and PPAR-alpha receptors was observed in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta of mice. These results suggest that OEA administration can modulate the cognitive deficits induced by MDMA in a DAT-independent manner.