3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine induces a hyperthermic and hypermetabolic crisis in pigs with and without a genetic disposition for malignant hyperthermia.

Background: Clinical symptoms of acute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) intoxication and malignant hyperthermia have many similarities. At present, however, there is contradictory evidence concerning the malignant hyperthermia trigger potency of MDMA.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate whether MDMA has malignant hyperthermia trigger potential and leads to malignant hyperthermia in pigs with or without a genetic predisposition to the condition.