Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’): a stressor on the immune system
Immunology March 30, 2004 DOI: 10.1111/j.0019-2805.2004.01847.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Immune system Cytokine Amphetamine Immunosuppression Immunology Pharmacology |
| Citations | 101 |
| Key findings | MDMA suppresses multiple aspects of immunity, including neutrophil phagocytosis, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and lymphocyte numbers and function, largely through indirect mechanisms. |
Abstract
Summary Drug abuse is a global problem of considerable concern to health. One such health concern stems from the fact that many drugs of abuse have immunosuppressive actions and consequently have the potential to increase susceptibility to infectious disease. This article is focused on the impact of the amphetamine derivative, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘Ecstasy’) on immunity. Research conducted over the last 5 years, in both laboratory animals and humans, has demonstrated that MDMA has immunosuppressive actions. Specifically, MDMA suppresses neutrophil phagocytosis, suppresses production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, and increases production of the endogenous immunosuppressive cytokine (IL‐10), thereby promoting an immunosuppressive cytokine phenotype. MDMA also suppresses circulating lymphocyte numbers, with CD4 + T cells being particularly affected, and alters T‐cell function as indicated by reduced mitogen‐stimulated T‐cell proliferation, and a skewing of T‐cell cytokine production in a T helper 2 (Th2) direction. For the most part, the aforementioned effects of MDMA are not the result of a direct action of the drug on immune cells, but rather caused by the release of endogenous immunomodulatory substances. Consequently, the physiological mechanisms that are thought to underlie the immunosuppressive effects of MDMA will be discussed. As many of the physiological changes elicited by MDMA closely resemble those induced by acute stress, it is suggested that exposure to MDMA could be regarded as a ‘chemical stressor’ on the immune system. Finally, the potential of MDMA‐induced immunosuppression to translate into significant health risks for abusers of the drug will be discussed.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 19
- MDMA in humans: factors which affect the neuropsychobiological profiles of recreational ecstasy users, the integrative role of bioenergetic stress Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
- The Potential Dangers of Using MDMA for Psychotherapy Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2014
- Combined immunomodulating properties of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cannabis in humans Addiction May 22, 2007
- MDMA, cortisol, and heightened stress in recreational ecstasy users Behavioural Pharmacology July 11, 2014
- Differential behavioral outcomes of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA-ecstasy) in anxiety-like responses in mice Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research September 4, 2013
and 14 more in the library
Cites 13
- Which neuroreceptors mediate the subjective effects of MDMA in humans? A summary of mechanistic studies Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- The pharmacology of the acute hyperthermic response that follows administration of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) to rats British Journal of Pharmacology 2002
- Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 12, 2002
- MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Abuse and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among 169 Gay and Bisexual Men American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 2000
- Cell‐Mediated Immune Response in MDMA Users After Repeated Dose Administration Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences June 1, 2002
and 8 more in the library