Elise Hermans

Additive inhibition of human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors by mixtures of commonly used drugs of abuse.

Neurotoxicology March 2013 Laura Hondebrink, Sijie Tan, Elise Hermans et al.

Yearly, exposure to drugs of abuse results in ∼1 million emergency department visits in the US. In ∼50% of the visits, stimulant drugs like cocaine and amphetamine-like substances (e.g. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, the main active ingredient of ecstasy)) are involved, whereas in ∼60% multiple drugs are involved. These drugs induce higher dopamine and serotonin levels resulting in...