Neural Effects of MDMA as Determined by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Awake Marmoset Monkeys
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2006 Jerrold S. Meyer, Matthew E. Brevard, Brian J. Piper et al. 40 citations
A recreational dose of MDMA (1 mg/kg) activates multiple brain regions in marmoset monkeys, including the midbrain raphe nuclei, hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and the corticostriatal circuit (dorsal thalamus, sensory motor cortex, and basal ganglia). MDMA also activates the primary visual cortex and enhances the visual cortical response to light. The onset of brain activation matches the rise in plasma MDMA levels. A second study found that both low (4 × 1 mg/kg oral) and high (4 × 10 mg/kg intramuscular) MDMA doses reduce the NAA/creatine ratio in the hypothalamus, indicating vulnerability to damage. High doses also cause prolonged hyperthermia and reductions in serotonin and serotonin transporters in several brain areas, suggesting even recreational doses may have adverse consequences.