Weekend Ecstasy use disrupts memory in rats

• Rats self-administered Ecstasy in a high sensory environment on weekends only.
• Object recognition tests were used to monitor non-spatial memory.
• Minimal Ecstasy exposure leads to deficits in short-term and recognition memory.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “Ecstasy”) is a popular recreational drug. However, its exposure is often limited to the weekends in a highly stimulating environment. The goal of this study was to investigate the behavioral domains of working and recognition memory within a model of “weekend” Ecstasy use. Rats self-administered MDMA during 2-h sessions on two consecutive days followed by five drug-free days. Coupling this intermittent dosing schedule with a novel object recognition task, we found non-spatial memory impaired after only two “weekends” of self-administered MDMA. Our findings suggest that MDMA at recreational use levels can disrupt memory processes.