Oxytocin, cortisol and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: neurohormonal aspects of recreational ‘ecstasy’
Behavioural Pharmacology December 1, 2016 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000262
Summary
Acute MDMA use can increase levels of oxytocin and cortisol, which may enhance mood and energy in humans. However, a previously observed link between oxytocin and enhanced sociability has not been replicated. Chronic MDMA users show increased cortisol levels in hair samples taken over three months, alterations in the cortisol awakening response, and signs of greater daily stress, indicating potential disruptions to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The impact of chronic MDMA use on oxytocin is still unclear.
Study at a glance
| Population | humans using MDMA recreationally |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Oxytocin and cortisol are involved in the psychobiological effects of MDMA, but chronic use can negatively affect cortisol levels. |
Abstract
Most research into 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has debated its psychobiological effects in relation to neurotransmission. This article debates the contributory roles of the neurohormones oxytocin and cortisol for their psychobiological effects in humans. The empirical literature on these neurohormones is reviewed and suggestions for future research outlined. Acute MDMA or ‘ecstasy’ can generate increased levels of oxytocin and cortisol, and these neurohormonal changes may be important for its mood-enhancing and energy-activation effects in humans. However, an initial finding of enhanced sociability correlating with oxytocin levels has not been replicated. Potential reasons are debated. There may be dynamic interactions between the two neurohormones, with greater activation under cortisol, facilitating stronger positive feelings under oxytocin. Chronic regular use of MDMA can adversely affect cortisol in several ways. Regular users show increased cortisol in 3-month hair samples, changes to the cortisol awakening response, and indications of greater daily stress. Furthermore, these cortisol findings suggest changes to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. The effects of chronic MDMA usage on oxytocin still need to be investigated. It is concluded that the neurohormones oxytocin and cortisol contribute in various ways to the psychobiological effects of recreational ecstasy/MDMA.