Neuroendocrine and Mood Responses to Intravenous L-Tryptophan in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Users
Archives of General Psychiatry – January 01, 1989
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
MDMA may significantly alter serotonin function in users. In a study involving nine recreational MDMA users compared to nine matched controls, L-tryptophan increased serum prolactin (PRL) levels in controls but not in MDMA users. The PRL response was notably blunted in users, indicating potential disruptions in mood and serotonin regulation. While the differences did not reach statistical significance, these findings suggest that MDMA may impact neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, highlighting important implications for psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a selective serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin in laboratory animals. To assess its effects on 5-HT function in humans, serum prolactin (PRL) and mood responses to intravenous L-tryptophan were measured in nine recreational users of MDMA and compared with findings from nine matched healthy controls. L-Tryptophan induced a rise in the PRL concentration in controls, but not in MDMA users. Peak change and the area under the curve of the PRL response appeared to be blunted in MDMA users, but the difference from controls did not reach statistical significance. This study provides suggestive evidence of altered 5-HT function in MDMA users, but more definitive studies clearly are needed.