Ascorbic acid prevents 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced hydroxyl radical formation and the behavioral and neurochemical consequences of the depletion of brain 5-HT
Synapse January 1, 2001 Mahalakshmi Shankaran, Bryan K. Yamamoto, Gary A. Gudelsky 97 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) causes long-term damage to serotonin (5-HT) neurons in the brain, likely through oxidative stress from free radicals. Giving rats the antioxidant ascorbic acid (vitamin C) blocked the formation of hydroxyl radicals and prevented MDMA-induced depletion of serotonin in the striatum. Rats that received a neurotoxic dose of MDMA later showed blunted serotonin release, behavioral responses, and hyperthermia when given another dose of MDMA; these functional deficits were also prevented by ascorbic acid. MDMA also reduced the brain's natural levels of vitamin E and ascorbic acid. The findings suggest that MDMA's neurotoxicity stems from oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant defenses.