Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) on brain serotonin neurons in human beings
Ud Mccann, Z Szabò, Ursula Scheffel, Rf Dannals, G.a. Ricaurte
The Lancet October 1, 1998 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(98)04329-3 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractUsing positron emission tomography (PET) with a ligand that selectively binds to serotonin transporters, researchers found direct evidence of a decrease in a structural component of brain serotonin neurons in people who use MDMA (ecstasy). This suggests MDMA use may damage or reduce serotonin neurons in the living human brain.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Quantitative PET study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Human MDMA users |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Neuroscience Positron emission tomography |
| Citations | 664 |
| Key finding | Direct evidence of a decrease in a structural component of brain serotonin neurons in human MDMA users. |
Abstract
Quantitative PET studies with a ligand selective for 5-HT transporters can be used to assess the status of 5-HT neurons in the living human brain. We show direct evidence of a decrease in a structural component of brain 5-HT neurons in human MDMA users.