Brain serotonin transporter binding in former users of MDMA (‘ecstasy’)
The British Journal of Psychiatry – March 31, 2009
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Abstinent MDMA users show no signs of lasting damage to serotonin neurons, challenging concerns about the drug’s neurotoxicity. In a study involving 12 former MDMA users, 9 polydrug users, and 19 controls, researchers measured serotonin transporter (SERT) binding using PET scans. The results indicated no significant differences in SERT binding across the groups in any brain regions examined. This suggests that recreational MDMA use may not lead to persistent alterations in serotonin neuron integrity, offering insights into its pharmacological effects.
Abstract
Background Animal experimental studies have prompted concerns that widespread use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) by young people may pose a major public health problem in terms of persistent serotonin neurotoxicity. Aims To determine the status of brain serotonin neurons in a group of abstinent MDMA users. Method We assessed the integrity of brain serotonin neurons by measuring serotonin transporter (SERT) binding using positron emission tomography (PET) and [ 11 C]DASB in 12 former MDMA users, 9 polydrug users who had never taken MDMA and 19 controls who reported no history of illicit drug use. Results There was no significant difference in the binding potential of [ 11 C]DASB between the groups in any of the brain regions examined. Conclusions To the extent that [ 11 C]DASB binding provides an index of the integrity of serotonin neurons, our findings suggest that MDMA use may not result in long-term damage to serotonin neurons when used recreationally in humans.