Striatal serotonin is depleted in brain of a human MDMA (Ecstasy) user
Neurology – July 25, 2000
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Chronic use of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, leads to a staggering 50-80% depletion of serotonin and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the striatum of the human brain. In contrast, dopamine levels remained within normal ranges. These findings indicate that the significant release and subsequent depletion of serotonin may drive some behavioral effects associated with this popular psychoactive substance. Understanding these neurotransmitter dynamics is crucial for addressing the psychological and medical implications of MDMA use.
Abstract
The authors found that striatal levels of serotonin and those of its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were severely depleted by 50 to 80% in brain of a chronic user of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) whereas concentrations of dopamine were within the normal control range. Our data suggest that MDMA exposure in the human can cause decreased tissue stores of serotonin and therefore some of the behavioral effects of this drug of abuse could be caused by massive release and depletion of brain serotonin.