MDMA (ecstasy) dose-dependently reduces prepulse inhibition (PPI), a measure of sensorimotor gating, in both male and female Wistar rats. Male rats show a greater increase in the acoustic startle response (ASR) than females after MDMA. Among females, sensitivity to MDMA’s PPI-disrupting effect varies across the estrous cycle: rats in diestrous and metestrous phases exhibit larger PPI deficits, while those in proestrous and estrous phases are less affected.
Flumazenil, midazolam, and ketamine each modulate anxiety-like behavior in rats, as measured by aversive ultrasonic vocalizations and performance on the elevated plus maze. The study provides evidence that these pharmacological agents affect anxiety-related responses, with results indicating distinct effects depending on the drug and behavioral test. No specific numerical outcomes or sample sizes are reported in the abstract.