MDMA and 5‐HT neurotoxicity: the empirical evidence for its adverse effects in humans – no need for translation
British Journal of Pharmacology March 9, 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01941.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA commentary argues that MDMA (ecstasy) is clearly damaging to humans, contradicting the claim that animal data cannot predict its adverse effects and that MDMA does not produce serotonin neurotoxicity in the human brain. Neuroimaging studies worldwide consistently show reduced levels of the serotonin transporter (SERT) across higher brain regions in abstinent recreational users, even after controlling for confounds. These SERT reductions correlate with impairments in memory and higher cognition. The author contends that extensive empirical data demonstrate both structural and functional deficits from MDMA use in humans.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Neurotoxicity Adverse effect Neuroscience |
| Citations | 50 |
| Key finding | MDMA causes serotonin neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits in humans, as evidenced by reduced SERT levels and correlated memory impairments in abstinent recreational users. |
Abstract
In this issue of the BJP , Green et al . suggest that animal data could not be used to predict the adverse effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in humans and that MDMA did not produce 5‐HT neurotoxicity in the human brain. This proposal was, however, not accompanied by a review of the empirical evidence in humans. The neuroimaging data on 5‐HT markers in abstinent recreational ecstasy/MDMA users are extensive and broadly consistent. Reduced levels of the 5‐HT transporter (SERT) have been found by research groups worldwide using a variety of assessment measures. These SERT reductions occur across the higher brain regions and remain after controlling for potential confounds. There are also extensive empirical data for impairments in memory and higher cognition, with the neurocognitive deficits correlating with the extent of SERT loss. Hence, MDMA is clearly damaging to humans, with extensive empirical data for both structural and functional deficits. LINKED ARTICLES This article is a commentary on Green et al ., pp. 1523–1536 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01819.x . A rebuttal by Green et al . also appears in this issue, pp. 1521–1522. To view this rebuttal visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.01940.x