MDMA (ecstasy) effects on cultured serotonergic neurons: evidence for Ca2+-dependent toxicity linked to release
Brain Research February 1, 1990 E.C. Azmitia, R.B. Murphy, P.M. Whitaker-Azmitia 68 citations
The S(+) enantiomer of MDMA is ten times more potent than the R(-) enantiomer at inhibiting the development of serotonin uptake capacity in fetal rat raphe neurons. Both calcium-dependent and calcium-independent release of serotonin contribute to MDMA's toxic effect on these neurons, with the direct, transporter-mediated release being the first step. The serotonin 5-HT2 receptor, linked to increased intracellular calcium, is involved, as the antagonist ketanserin attenuates the effect of S(+)-MDMA. These findings clarify the cellular mechanisms of MDMA's serotonergic neurotoxicity.