3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine increases susceptibility to genital herpes simplex virus infection in mice.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 19758099.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1086/605891.
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Abstract
Abused by >1.2 million Americans, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (commonly referred to as ecstasy) is popular in the dance club, rave, and circuit party scenes. MDMA and other similar drugs are reportedly associated with increased incidence of sexually transmitted infectious diseases, such as AIDS and genital herpes, and may have immunological effects. In the present study, we demonstrate that MDMA causes increased susceptibility to herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in mice and earlier onset of genital herpes. We also demonstrate that MDMA has an effect on the cytokines of the innate immune system-both systemically and, for the first time, in the genital tract. These data suggest that MDMA may play an important biological role in infection.
Medical subject headings
- Disease Susceptibility
- Herpes Genitalis
- Herpesvirus 2, Human
- N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine