Abstract
Background. Synthetic cathinones are a rapidly growing
group of psychostimulant drugs usually referred to as “bath salts”
and have been used as an alternative to classic amphetamine-like
drugs, with 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) being one
of the most prevalent constituents. Consistent with the effects of
other psychostimulants, MDPV may induce neurotoxicity by altering
monoamine systems in the brain or by inducing neuronal apoptosis.
Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MDPV
on the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y. Experimental design.
After 24-hour exposure to MDPV (100 µM to 2.5 mM), cytotoxicity,
cellular proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated, whereas reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 22 h,
and 24 h. Results. MDPV increased ROS production after 1 h, 4 h, and
6 h of exposure in all but the highest concentration; a moderate increase
was observed at 22 h and 24 h. Only high concentrations of the drug
decreased cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis and necrosis.
Conclusion. MDPV induces dopaminergic toxicity by decreasing
cellular proliferation and by increasing apoptosis and necrosis. The
production of ROS may play a role in the early response to the drug.
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