Work

Dexfenfluramine neurotoxicity in brains of non-human primates

Year: 1991

Type: article

Abstract: Dexfenfluramine, a drug prescribed for appetite suppression, was evaluated in non-human primates for its potential to produce toxic effects on brain serotonin (5-HT) neurons. Squirrel monkeys received dexfenfluramine subcutaneously twice daily for four days at doses of 1.25 or 5.00 mg/kg. Two weeks later, a dose-related depletion of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was found, together with a reduced number of 5-HT uptake sites. Morphological studies showed acute pathological changes in 5-HT axons, followed by a persistent decrease in 5-HT axon density. Our findings indicate that dexfenfluramine damages central 5-HT neurons in monkeys and raise concern about the potential neurotoxicity of this drug in man.

Source: The Lancet

DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(91)92301-h

Authors: G.A. Ricaurte, M.B. Martello, A.L. Martello, M.A. Wilson, M.E. Molliver, J.L. Katz

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Language: English

Topic: Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $7,890