(±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Selectively Damages Central Serotonergic Neurons in Nonhuman Primates
JAMA – July 01, 1988
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
MDMA, a popular recreational drug, has been shown to selectively deplete serotonin in nonhuman primates. In a study involving monkeys given doses of 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 mg/kg, significant reductions in serotonin and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, were observed two weeks post-administration. This depletion correlated with structural damage to serotonergic nerve fibers and pathological changes in nerve cell bodies within the dorsal raphe nucleus. These findings suggest that human users may face risks of central serotonergic neuronal damage from MDMA use.
Abstract
(+/-)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular recreational drug that has been proposed to be useful as an adjunct to psychotherapy. This study assessed the neurotoxic potential of MDMA in nonhuman primates. Monkeys were repeatedly administered doses (2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 mg/kg) of MDMA subcutaneously and analyzed for regional brain content of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid two weeks later. In all regions of the monkey brain examined, MDMA produced a selective dose-related depletion of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. These neurochemical deficits were associated with evidence of structural damage to serotonergic nerve fibers. In addition, MDMA produced pathological changes in nerve cell bodies in the dorsal, but not median, raphe nucleus. These results indicate that MDMA is a selective serotonergic neurotoxin in nonhuman primates and that humans using this drug may be at risk for incurring central serotonergic neuronal damage.