Prenatal stress affects 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine pharmacokinetics and drug-induced motor alterations in adolescent female rats.

We examined the influence of prenatal stress on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 5 mg/kg p.o.) pharmacokinetics in adolescent female SD rats (30 days). Our results indicate that the metabolic rate of MDMA was higher in the prenatal stress group than in the control group. Moreover, MDMA-induced motor alterations were increased in prenatally stressed rats. These findings provide evidence that (i) prenatal stress increases sensitivity to MDMA, (ii) these effects are already detectable at the adolescent stage and (iii) early differences in metabolism may play a role in the behavioural changes associated with this drug of abuse.