Methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) Neurotoxicity: 'of Mice and Men'

Methamphetamine and MDMA are widely abused drugs that may damage dopamine- and serotonin-producing neurons. Evidence from rodent and primate studies strongly indicates these drugs cause neurotoxicity, though human data remain limited. Recent work with genetically modified mice has identified several molecular players in this damage, including dopamine transporters, nitric oxide, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokines. Understanding the mechanisms behind this neurotoxicity and its behavioral effects could clarify how human methamphetamine and MDMA abuse affects cognition, drug-seeking behavior, extinction, and relapse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4‐meythylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy') are currently major drugs of abuse. One of the major concerns of amphetamines abuse is their potential neurotoxic effect on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Although data from human studies are somewhat limited, compelling evidence suggests that these drugs cause neurotoxicity in rodents and primates. Recent studies in transgenic and knockout mice identified the role of dopamine transporters, nitric oxide, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in amphetamines neurotoxicity. Further research into the mechanisms underlying the dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity and the behavioral corollaries of these neuronal insults could facilitate our understanding of the consequences of human abuse of METH and MDMA on cognition, drug‐seeking behavior, extinction and relapse. IUBMB Life, 56: 249‐255, 2004