MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstacy) or METH (methamphetamine, ice) are amphetamine derivatives used as drugs of abuse with recreational purpose, whose consumption has gone increasing in recent years, above all among the youngest population, fact that is seen aggravated by the false belief that is a matter of drugs "sure". Aside from the sharp effects on the body temperature, the cardiovascular system and the hydro electrolytic equilibrium, responsible for the majority of the deaths, the recreational consumption continued of these amphetamines can behave a high risk of neurotoxicity.  According to the animal species, differences in the type of toxicity induced by these substances exist.  Thus, in the rat, the METH affects mainly the dopaminergic system, while the MDMA is toxic for the serotoninergic neurons.  On the other hand, in the mouse, both drugs affect the dopaminergic system. 

Our group is focused in the investigation using in vivo as in vitro models (to see section of methods) of the mechanisms responsible for the neurotoxic effects induced by these drugs, also studying the interactions with other substances of abuse like nicotine, cannabis, caffeine, etc.