Acute Methamphetamine Intoxication: Brain Hyperthermia, Brain Edema and the BBB

[Chip (OP)]

source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145326/

Acute Methamphetamine Intoxication: Brain Hyperthermia, Blood-Brain Barrier and Brain Edema

Abstract:

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful and often abused stimulant with potent addictive and neurotoxic properties. While it is generally assumed that multiple chemical substances released in the brain following METH-induced metabolic activation (or oxidative stress) are primary factors underlying damage of neural cells, in this work we will present data suggesting a role of brain hyperthermia and associated leakage of the brain-blood barrier (BBB) in acute METH-induced toxicity.

First, we show that METH induces a dose-dependent brain and body hyperthermia, which is strongly potentiated by associated physiological activation and in warm environments that prevent proper heat dissipation to the external environment.

Second, we demonstrate that acute METH intoxication induces robust, widespread but structure-specific leakage of the BBB, acute glial activation, and increased water content (edema), which are related to drug-induced brain hyperthermia.

Third, we document widespread morphological abnormalities of brain cells, including neurons, glia, epithelial and endothelial cells developing rapidly during acute METH intoxication.

These structural abnormalities are tightly related to the extent of brain hyperthermia, leakage of the BBB, and brain edema. While it is unclear whether these rapidly developed morphological abnormalities are reversible, this study demonstrates that METH induces multiple functional and structural perturbations in the brain, determining its acute toxicity and possibly contributing to neurotoxicity.

this is a good read and is continued at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145326/

[Flutterby]

Scary shit

[Chip (OP)]

source: http://drug.addictionblog.org/meth-overdose-how-much-amount-of-meth-to-od/

Meth Overdose – How Much Is Too Much?

A lethal dose of methamphetamine varies depending on characteristics of the drug and the user. In fact, each person has a different sensitivity to a specific amount of methamphetamine due to personal tolerance to meth. In this way, toxic levels are different for each individual. Meth overdose may also be complicated by other drugs the user may have taken. Diseases that the person may have developed also play a role due to the current health condition of the body.

Oral administration = ~ 150mg a day
Injection = ~100mg or higher
Smoking and snorting methamphetamine = ~50 mg or higher

this continues here

[thetalkingasshole]

Methamphetamine and MDMA share a lot of mechanisms relating to neurotoxicity

A rise in core temp corresponds to a increase in VMAT2 release
Which in turn is responsible for over - excitation of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine neurons
Over-excitation at these sites leads to neural damage

My senior thesis was on MDMA neurotoxicity
Which, just cuz I wanna mention it
Will induce HYPOthermia at ambient (outside the body) temperatures below 72 degrees farenheit
And serve as a neuroprotective agent against harmful metabolites

[Chip (OP)]

... TTA, but with MDMA, it's less likely ?

I just pop about 20 mg. of Olanzapine afterwards and it's known to be a neuroprotectant.

[thetalkingasshole]

... TTA, but with MDMA, it's less likely ?

I just pop about 20 mg. of Olanzapine afterwards and it's known to be a neuroprotectant.

@chipper no not less likely just not as intensely

Neuroprotective drugs really only work if you take them beforehand

[Chip (OP)]

Really ? Good to know and I take them daily so I'm somewhat protected, I hope. I don't take OLZ the night I take MDMA though.

My weekly intake of approx 100-200 mg of Methamphetamine should keep the damage down but it impacts my psychology and I feel crappy 4-5 days later so I am aware of the consequences of dabbling in these drugs.