Validity of [123I]β‐CIT SPECT in detecting MDMA‐induced serotonergic neurotoxicity
Liesbeth Reneman, Jan Booij, Jan B. A. Habraken, Kora de Bruin, George Hatzidimitriou, Gerard J. den Heeten, George A. Ricaurte
Synapse September 5, 2002 DOI: 10.1002/syn.10130 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSPECT imaging with [123I]β-CIT can detect reductions in serotonin transporter density caused by MDMA neurotoxicity. A rhesus monkey treated with MDMA showed a 39% decrease in SERT binding in the hypothalamic/midbrain region 31 days after treatment, matching autoradiography data (−34%). Rat studies confirmed significant binding reductions in SERT-rich regions one week after neurotoxic MDMA doses. The findings validate [123I]β-CIT SPECT as a method for measuring MDMA-induced serotonergic damage in the brain.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Preclinical experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Rhesus monkey and rats |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Dose | 5 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days |
| Duration | 31 days post-treatment |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Binding potential Neurotoxicity Serotonin transporter |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key finding | SPECT imaging with [123I]β-CIT can detect MDMA-induced reductions in serotonin transporter density in the hypothalamic/midbrain region. |
Abstract
Abstract Recent [ 123 I]β‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies revealed decreased serotonin transporters (SERT) density in the brain of humans with a history of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) use. However, [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT has until now not been validated as a method for detecting such serotonergic lesions. Therefore, the present study was undertaken. Following baseline [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT scans, a rhesus monkey was treated with MDMA (5 mg/kg, s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days). SPECT studies 4, 10, and 31 days after MDMA treatment revealed decreases in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding ratios in the SERT‐rich brain region studied (hypothalamic/midbrain region), with SERT density reduced by 39% in this brain region 31 days after treatment. Data obtained with SPECT studies correlated well with SERT density determined with autoradiography after sacrifice of the animal (−34%). In addition, ex vivo [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding studies in rats 1 week after treatment with neurotoxic doses of MDMA (20 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days) revealed significant reductions in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding in SERT‐rich regions (including the hypothalamus) when compared to saline‐treated rats. The combined results of these studies indicate that SPECT imaging of SERT with [ 123 I]β‐CIT can detect changes in SERT density secondary to MDMA‐induced neurotoxicity in the hypothalamic/midbrain region, and possibly other brain regions. Synapse 46:199–205, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.