3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine increases pro-interleukin-1β production and caspase-1 protease activity in frontal cortex, but not in hypothalamus, of Dark Agouti rats: Role of interleukin-1β in neurotoxicity

Administration (i.c.v.) of interleukin-1β enhanced the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced long-term loss of brain 5-HT parameters and immediate hyperthermia. Neither of these effects was observed when interleukin-1β was given into hippocampus. These results indicate that exogenous interleukin-1β potentiates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine neurotoxicity as a consequence of its effect on body temperature and suggest that the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced rise in interleukin-1β levels could in turn contribute to the maintenance of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and subsequent neurotoxicity.