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Reduced in vivo binding to the serotonin transporter in the cerebral cortex of MDMA ('ecstasy') users.

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Title: Reduced in vivo binding to the serotonin transporter in the cerebral cortex of MDMA ('ecstasy') users.
Authors: Semple, David M., Ebmeier, Klaus P., Glabus, Micahel F., O'Carroll, Ronan E., Johnstone, Eve C., Semple, D M (AUTHOR), Ebmeier, K P (AUTHOR), Glabus, M F (AUTHOR), O'Carroll, R E (AUTHOR), Johnstone, E C (AUTHOR)
Source: British Journal of Psychiatry. Jul99, Vol. 175, p63-69. 7p. 2 Charts, 3 Graphs.
Subjects: Ecstasy (Drug), Hallucinogenic drugs, Substance use of young adults, Serotonin, Psychiatry, Cerebral cortex
Abstract: Background: The use of MDMA ('ecstasy') is common among young people in Western countries. Animal models of MDMA toxicity suggest a loss of serotonergic neurons, and potentially implicate in the development of significant psychiatric morbidity in humans.Aims: To test whether long-term use of MDMA can produce abnormalities in cerebral serotonin, but not dopamine, transporter binding measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).Method: Ten male regular ecstasy users and 10 well-matched controls recruited from the same community sources participated in SPECT with the serotonin transporter (SERT) ligand [123I] beta-CIT. Dopamine transporter binding was determined from scans acquired 23 hours after injection of the tracer.Results: Ecstasy users showed a cortical reduction of SERT binding, particularly prominent in primary sensory-motor cortex, with normal dopamine transporter binding in lenticular nuclei.Conclusions: This cross-sectional association study provides suggestive evidence for specific, at least temporary, serotonergic neurotoxicity of MDMA in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:<bold>Background: </bold>The use of MDMA ('ecstasy') is common among young people in Western countries. Animal models of MDMA toxicity suggest a loss of serotonergic neurons, and potentially implicate in the development of significant psychiatric morbidity in humans.<bold>Aims: </bold>To test whether long-term use of MDMA can produce abnormalities in cerebral serotonin, but not dopamine, transporter binding measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).<bold>Method: </bold>Ten male regular ecstasy users and 10 well-matched controls recruited from the same community sources participated in SPECT with the serotonin transporter (SERT) ligand [123I] beta-CIT. Dopamine transporter binding was determined from scans acquired 23 hours after injection of the tracer.<bold>Results: </bold>Ecstasy users showed a cortical reduction of SERT binding, particularly prominent in primary sensory-motor cortex, with normal dopamine transporter binding in lenticular nuclei.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>This cross-sectional association study provides suggestive evidence for specific, at least temporary, serotonergic neurotoxicity of MDMA in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00071250
DOI:10.1192/bjp.175.1.63