Serotonin Neurotoxicity after (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”): A Controlled Study in Humans

摘要: (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”), an increasingly popular recreational drug, is known to damage brain serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons in experimental animals. Whether MDMA neurotoxic humans has not been established. Thirty users and 28 controls were admitted a controlled inpatient setting for measurement of biologic behavioral indexes central 5-HT function. Outcome measures obtained after at least 2 weeks drug abstinence included concentrations monoamine metabolites cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), prolactin responses L-tryptophan, nociceptive ischemic pain, personality characteristics which implicated (i.e., impulsivity aggression). Subjects with history exposure had lower levels CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (the major metabolite 5-HT) than (p = .002). Although they resembled their response L-tryptophan scores on . 004) indirect hostility .009). The findings suggest that neurotoxicity may be potential complication use. Further, differences support the view systems are involved modulating impulsive aggressive traits. Additional studies MDMA-exposed individuals needed confirm extend present findings. Such could help elucidate role normal function as well neuropsychiatric disease states.