Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) on brain serotonin neurons in human beings
The Lancet – October 01, 1998
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ecstasy users exhibit a notable decrease in a key structural component of serotonin (5-HT) neurons, as revealed by quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) studies. In a sample of 30 MDMA users, significant alterations were observed in the 5-HT transporter status within the human brain. This decline in serotonin neuron integrity suggests potential long-term effects on behavior and mood regulation, highlighting important implications for medicine, psychology, and pharmacology in understanding how psychedelics influence neurotransmitter systems.
Abstract
Quantitative PET studies with a ligand selective for 5-HT transporters can be used to assess the status of 5-HT neurons in the living human brain. We show direct evidence of a decrease in a structural component of brain 5-HT neurons in human MDMA users.