Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms.
Giulia Costa, Krystyna Gołembiowska
Experimental Neurology October 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113894 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, can cause acute and lasting abnormalities in the brain, as shown in both animal and human studies. Neurotoxic effects have been demonstrated in experimental animals, raising concerns about serious harm to health, especially since MDMA is used recreationally by young and adult people. This review summarizes recent findings on MDMA's central effects and the mechanisms behind its neurotoxicity.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Medicine |
| Citations | 64 |
| Key finding | MDMA induces central neurotoxicity, as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, posing a serious health risk for recreational users. |
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit acute and persistent abnormalities of varying severity at the central level. Importantly, neurotoxic effects of MDMA have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Accordingly, central toxicity induced by MDMA may pose a serious harm for health, since MDMA is among the substances that are used for recreational purposes by young and adult people. This review provides a concise overview of recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the central effects of MDMA, and the mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity induced by this amphetamine-related drug.