MDMA-Induced Dissociative State not Mediated by the 5-HT2A Receptor
Drew J. Puxty, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Rafael de la Torre, Magı́ Farré, Neus Pizarro, Mitona Pujadas, Kim P. C. Kuypers
Frontiers in Pharmacology July 11, 2017 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00455 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Placebo-controlled within-subject study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Healthy recreational MDMA users |
| Interventions | MDMA Ketanserin |
| Dose | 75 mg MDMA, 40 mg ketanserin |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Dissociative Pharmacology Hallucinogen Receptor |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key points | The 5-HT2 receptor does not mediate the dissociative state induced by a single dose of MDMA. |
Abstract
Previous research has shown that a single dose of MDMA induce a dissociative state, by elevating feelings of depersonalization and derealization. Typically, it is assumed that action on the 5-HT2A receptor is the mechanism underlying these psychedelic experiences. In addition, other studies have shown associations between dissociative states and biological parameters (heart rate, cortisol), which are elevated by MDMA. In order to investigate the role of the 5-HT2 receptor in the MDMA-induced dissociative state and the association with biological parameters, a placebo-controlled within-subject study was conducted including a single oral dose of MDMA (75 mg), combined with placebo or a single oral dose of the 5-HT2 receptor blocker ketanserin (40 mg). Twenty healthy recreational MDMA users filled out a dissociative states scale (CADSS) 90 min after treatments, which was preceded and followed by assessment of a number of biological parameters (cortisol levels, heart rate, MDMA blood concentrations). Findings showed that MDMA induced a dissociative state but this effect was not counteracted by pre-treatment with ketanserin. Heart rate was the only biological parameter that correlated with the MDMA-induced dissociative state, but an absence of correlation between these measures when participants were pretreated with ketanserin suggests an absence of directional effects of heart rate on dissociative state. It is suggested that the 5-HT2 receptor does not mediate the dissociative effects caused by a single dose of MDMA. Further research is needed to determine the exact neurobiology underlying this effect and whether these effects contribute to the therapeutic potential of MDMA.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 24
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Psychiatry Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology October 10, 2018
- ‘I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends’ - How Raves Can Invoke Identity Fusion and Lasting Co-operation via Transformative Experiences Frontiers in Psychology September 24, 2021
- Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): cardiovascular effects and mechanisms. European Journal of Pharmacology May 7, 2021
- Acute Effects of 2C-E in Humans: An Observational Study Frontiers in Pharmacology March 18, 2020
- Psychedelic Experience October 26, 2023
and 19 more in the library
Cites 22
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- Evidence for 5-HT2 involvement in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic agents. Life Sciences December 17, 1984
- Acute psychological and physiological effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose?effect study Psychopharmacology March 1, 2004
- Human Pharmacology of MDMA Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Journal of Psychopharmacology October 31, 2012
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