Chronic administration of MDMA (ecstasy) during late adolescence in mice worsens the brain damage caused by MPTP, a toxin that induces Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans. Mice treated twice daily with MDMA (10 mg/kg) from 8 to 17 weeks of age, then given MPTP (20 mg/kg four times), showed greater activation of microglia and astroglia in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) compared to mice given only MPTP or vehicle. This neuroinflammation was accompanied by a greater loss of dopamine-producing neurons (indicated by reduced tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity) in the SNc and striatum. The findings suggest that MDMA use may increase the risk of dopaminergic neuron degeneration.
Mark Hallett, MD, a visionary neurologist and leader in movement disorders, died in 2025. His career included directing the Medical Neurology Branch at NINDS, founding the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and authoring nearly 1300 manuscripts. He made groundbreaking contributions to understanding bradykinesia, tremor, myoclonus, dystonia, and functional neurological disorders, and developed techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation. He mentored over 280 fellows, was known for his oratory skills, and received numerous honors including the World Federation of Neurology Medal. His retirement was cut short by glioblastoma multiforme.