[Ambient temperature impact on hepatocellular liver damage in rats following intake of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine].

BACKGROUND/AIM: 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) is a psycho-stimulating agent. It is usually taken orally in the form of tablets. It is absorbed throught the gastrointestinal mucous membrane. Hyperthermia is the most prominent clinical sign of MDMA intake. The most prominent forensic finding of lethal MDMA poisoning is myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular bleeding. However, liver and kidney damage: have also been described. The aim of this research was to determine if ambient temperatures affect liver damage in the experimental rats.

METHODS: The experiment was conducted for 8 h and 24 h, at temperatures of 12 degrees C, 22 degrees C and 32 degrees C. Both biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, AP, gamma GT and LDH) and pathohistological changes of the liver were monitored.

RESULTS: Our reserch demonstrated that the most serious lever damage occurred at 32 degrees C. Liver damage was manifested as portal inflammation, periportal necrosis, lobular necrosis, stasis, intralobular hemorrhage and incerease of liver enzymes serum activity.

CONCLUSION: Liver damage after MDMA intake rises with the increase of ambient temperature, and it is most pronounced at the temperature of 32 degrees C.