Cardiac Lesion Histopathology Following High-Dose Methamphetamine

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Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Histopathological Studies of Cardiac Lesions after an Acute High Dose Administration of Methamphetamine
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Arthur Kong Sn Molh, Lai Chin Ting, Jesmine Khan, K Al-Jashamy, Hasnan Jaafar, Mohammed Nasimul Islam


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Histopathological Studies of Cardiac Lesions after an Acute High Dose Administration of Methamphetamine

Year: 2008

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent illicit stimulant that has gained popularity since the 1990s, presenting severe cardiovascular risks, including chest pain, arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. The increasing prevalence of MA abuse necessitates a closer investigation into its acute effects on major organs, particularly the heart. Previous research predominantly focuses on the chronic consequences of MA intake, which lead to significant alterations in cardiovascular function. This study aims to explore the immediate impact of acute MA administration on myocardial pathology, highlighting the need to reassess toxic dosages and understand the mechanisms behind acute MA intoxication-related mortality.

Cardiovascular Effects of Acute Methamphetamine Administration

In this study, male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Methamphetamine (MA), Placebo, and Control groups. The MA group received an injection of 50 mg/kg body weight of Methamphetamine hydrochloride. Five rats from this group died within hours, with their hearts examined for lesions. Microscopic analysis revealed myocyte cell death indicated by the loss of nuclei, as well as signs of cellular regeneration, such as internalization and enlargement of nuclei in some regions. Importantly, despite the rapid fatalities, the myocardium showed minimal necrotic changes, suggesting the primary cause of death could stem from acute systemic organ failure rather than direct myocardial damage. The surviving rat displayed signs of macrophage infiltration and regenerating myocytes, indicating a potential healing response, yet no significant inflammatory response or necrosis was observed.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the complexity of methamphetamine's effects on the heart, particularly after acute exposure. The discrepancies in expected pathological changes, such as necrosis, and the evidence of regenerative processes challenge the notion that acute MA intoxication directly leads to myocardial infarction. Given the rapid onset of mortality in rats after MA injection, it raises questions about underlying systemic effects on other organs. These results indicate an urgent need for further research to elucidate the multifaceted impact of acute MA exposure, refining our understanding of dosing and toxicity, ultimately assisting medical professionals in addressing acute methamphetamine-related health crises.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the purpose of the rat study on Methamphetamine?

The study aimed to investigate the acute effects of Methamphetamine on cardiac lesions in male Wistar rats, analyzing microscopic changes in the myocardium following an intraperitoneal injection.

What were the findings regarding heart tissue after acute MA administration?

Initial samples showed myocyte cell death and signs of regeneration, while later samples revealed foci of macrophage-like cells, without significant necrosis or inflammatory responses observable in the myocardium.

Why were different groups of rats used in the experiment?

The Control, Placebo, and MA-injected groups were established to compare effects. This design helped in assessing the impact of Methamphetamine while controlling for external factors affecting the outcomes.

How was Methamphetamine administered to the rats?

Methamphetamine hydrochloride was injected intraperitoneally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight, aimed at producing observable effects while ensuring rats survived for 24 hours post-injection.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cardiac Lesion Histopathology Following High-Dose Methamphetamine”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Death:
The term death in this study refers to the mortality observed in the MA injected rats. Understanding the timeline and cause of death is essential for assessing the acute toxicity of methamphetamine and its impact on organ systems, particularly the heart. The findings stress the necessity of further research into MA's lethal dosages.

2) Drug:
Drug signifies methamphetamine in this study, a potent stimulant known for its euphoric effects and serious cardiovascular side effects. The investigation delves into the acute effects of MA, a substance often abused. Thus, the study's relevance extends to toxicology and public health considerations surrounding illicit drug use.

3) Animal:
The use of animals, specifically Wistar rats, is crucial in this study to model the effects of methamphetamine on living organisms. Animal testing allows for controlled conditions to explore potential physiological and pathological changes, offering insights that inform understanding of human drug abuse and its consequences on health.

4) Substance:
Substance pertains to methamphetamine hydrochloride in this context. As a chemical entity, it plays a central role in this research, focusing on its effects on cardiac health during acute exposure. The classification of substance illustrates the significance of studying its toxic effects compared to other pharmacological agents.

5) Water:
Water is an essential component in the study, used as a solvent for both the methamphetamine injections and the saline for the placebo group. The proper hydration of animal subjects and the handling of solutions emphasizes the importance of maintaining standard laboratory conditions for reliable experimental results.

6) Observation:
Observation is critical in this research framework, enabling the assessment of cardiac lesions and other morphological changes under light microscopy. Systematic observation forms the basis of data collection, helping correlate the pathological findings with dosage effects, thereby advancing understanding of MA's impact on myocardial structure.

7) Purity:
Purity indicates the quality of methamphetamine hydrochloride used in this study, which was confirmed to be at least 99%. High purity is vital in pharmacological research to ensure that the results are attributable solely to the substance being tested, allowing for more accurate assessments of its toxicity.

8) Male (Mālē):
Male refers to the sex of the Wistar rats utilized in the experiment. Gender can influence physiological responses to drugs, and using male rats may help standardize the responses observed. Understanding these effects is essential for designing future studies that could involve both sexes for comprehensive analysis.

9) Sign:
Sign pertains to the indicators of cardiac lesions or pathological changes observed in the heart tissues of the rats. The presence or absence of signs is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to methamphetamine toxicity, allowing for better understanding of its acute effects on the heart.

10) Cage (Cāge):
Cage implies the enclosure where the rats were housed during the study. Proper housing conditions are essential for animal welfare and ensure that the experimental variables remain controlled. The type of cage can also affect behavioral responses and stress levels in research subjects.

11) Developing:
Developing signifies the progression of pathological changes in response to methamphetamine exposure. Understanding the developing nature of cardiac lesions is essential for evaluating the time course of toxicity and regeneration in cardiac tissues, providing insights into the drug's long-term effects and potential recovery mechanisms.

12) Science (Scientific):
Scientific emphasizes the research's experimental basis and its aim to contribute to the knowledge of methamphetamine toxicity. By employing rigorous methodologies, the study highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches in understanding drug effects and their mechanisms, ultimately aiding in public health and safety assessments.

13) Toxicity:
Toxicity describes the harmful effects of methamphetamine on the myocardial tissues of the rats. Investigating the toxicity profile illuminates the risks associated with acute drug exposure, guiding future studies and informing medical responses to drug overdose situations, enhancing safety protocols for drug administration.

14) Euphoria:
Euphoria represents the intense pleasure or excitement caused by methamphetamine use. Understanding the euphoria associated with methamphetamine is significant in comprehending the motivating factors leading to abuse, as it plays a central role in the cycle of addiction and subsequent physiological effects on the heart.

15) Disease:
Disease refers to pathological conditions arising from methamphetamine toxicity and its potential to induce heart failure or other organ dysfunctions. The study of disease pathology informs treatment options for affected individuals and enhances understanding of the broader health implications associated with methamphetamine use.

16) Street:
Street signifies the illicit market where methamphetamine is often sold, highlighting its accessibility and the risks associated with unregulated drug use. This context emphasizes the need for public health initiatives and further research into the consequences of street drugs on health and society.

17) Glass:
Glass pertains to the chloroform chamber used for sacrificing the rats. The material emphasizes the need for safety and control in laboratory procedures. Proper equipment ensures ethical practices in animal research and minimizes stress during the euthanasia process, aligning with humane treatment standards.

18) House:
House refers to the controlled environment in which the animals were reared during the study. The housing conditions are essential for maintaining normal cytokine expression and preventing external stressors from influencing the study's outcomes, thus ensuring the reliability of the experimental data.

19) Jaya (Jāyā, Jayā):
Jaya references the location where the methamphetamine hydrochloride was sourced, adding credibility to the substance's quality due to its regulated provision. This geographic detail connects the study to larger frameworks of drug control, legality, and research ethics in scientific inquiries regarding restricted substances.

20) Wall:
Wall in this context may refer to the anatomical structures of the rat hearts, particularly the myocardial walls examined during the study. Understanding wall integrity and changes is crucial for evaluating the cardiac tissue's response to methamphetamine and assessing potential pathological impacts.

21) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain encapsulates the serious adverse effects of methamphetamine, particularly the cardiovascular symptoms experienced by users. Understanding pain mechanisms and their relation to myocardial ischaemia can inform better treatment strategies for individuals suffering from the repercussions of drug abuse and withdrawal symptoms.

22) Inci (Iñci, Imci, Incī):
Inch indicates the measurement of the cages where the rats were housed. Proper sizing and spacing are essential for animal welfare, ensuring sufficient movement and social interaction. This detail is important for ensuring that experimental results are not influenced by inadequate housing conditions.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cardiac Lesion Histopathology Following High-Dose Methamphetamine’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Statistical analysis, Control group, Placebo group, P Value, Normal saline, Kruskal Wallis test, Necrosis, Hematoxylin and eosin, Myocardial infarction, Acute myocardial infarction, Light microscopy, Wistar rat, Cellular infiltration, Electron microscopy, Tissue processor, Immunohistochemistry, Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Cell death, Cardiovascular function, Animal testing, Fibrosis, Pathological change, Acute dose, Foci of necrosis, Cardiovascular symptoms, Myocardium, Tachyphylaxis, Myoglobin, Fibroblast, Drug tolerance, Myocardial ischaemia.

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