The interaction between MDMA and Nicotine affects
multiple brain centres and neurotransmitter systems (serotonin,
dopamine and glutamate) involved in motor coordination
and cognition. In this study, we have elucidated the
effect of prolonged (10 days) MDMA, Nicotine and a combined
Nicotine-MDMA treatment on motor-cognitive neural
functions. In addition, we have shown the correlation between
the observed behavioural change and neural structural changes
induced by these treatments in BALB/c mice.We observed
that MDMA (2 mg/Kg body weight; subcutaneous) induced a
decline in motor function, while Nicotine (2 mg/Kg body
weight; subcutaneous) improved motor function in male
periadolescent mice. In combined treatment, Nicotine reduced
the motor function decline observed in MDMA treatment,
thus no significant change in motor function for the combined
treatment versus the control. Nicotine or MDMA treatment
reduced memory function and altered hippocampal structure.
Similarly, a combined Nicotine-MDMA treatment reduced
memory function when compared with the control.
Ultimately, the metabolic and structural changes in these neural
systems were seen to vary for the various forms of treatment.
It is noteworthy to mention that a combined treatment
increased the rate of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue