Final answer:
MDMA (Ecstasy) can cause both immediate and long-term side effects in animals. Low doses usually induce mild euphoria and increased alertness, while high doses can lead to paranoia, hallucinations, brain toxicity, and even death. Repeated use may result in neurotransmitter depletion and addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When studying the drug Ecstasy (MDMA) using animals, several side effects have been observed, depending on the dosage. In low doses, animals might exhibit increased alertness, mild euphoria, and decreased appetite. However, at high doses, the side effects become more severe and can include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, heightened sensitivity to physical stimuli, and potentially brain toxicity or death. It's also important to note that alongside the immediate psychoactive effects of the drug, there can be long-term consequences. Repeated use of MDMA can lead to a depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, resulting in mood dysphoria, cognitive problems, and the potential development of addiction. These side effects are critical to consider in any study involving the administration of psychoactive substances to animals.