Monique L. Smith

2 papers in the library · 37 citations · publishing 2024-2026

Papers

MDMA enhances empathy-like behaviors in mice via 5-HT release in the nucleus accumbens.

Science Advances April 26, 2024 Ben Rein, Kendall Raymond, Cali Boustani et al. 37 citations

MDMA, a psychoactive drug known for its prosocial effects, enhances empathy-like behaviors in mice by increasing serotonin signaling in the nucleus accumbens. The drug, whether given systemically or infused directly into this brain region, strengthens the social transfer of pain and analgesia, a behavioral test of empathy. Optogenetically stimulating serotonin release in the nucleus accumbens mimics MDMA's effects, confirming serotonin's role. MDMA also restores deficits in empathy-like behaviors in a mouse model of autism lacking the Shank3 gene. The findings indicate that serotonin signaling in the nucleus accumbens is a core mechanism underlying MDMA's empathogenic effects.

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6554 Full text Neuroscience Psychopharmacology MDMA Research Behavioral science +1

Empathic Behavioral Substrates Altered by MDMA and Their Therapeutic Consequences

January 30, 2026 Makaela Weeda, Valeria Gazzola, Christian Keysers et al. preprint

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, shows promise for treating mental disorders, but its therapeutic use remains unapproved partly because its neurobiological effects are not well understood. This review examines MDMA's effects on social behavior in humans and animals, focusing on empathy. The authors summarize current knowledge of the pharmacological and neurobiological mechanisms and brain circuits involved in MDMA's influence on social behavior, noting that scientific data on its social effects are ambiguous.

DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/gr8jk_v1 MDMA Ecstasy Psychology Recreational use +7