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Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA

Boris D. Heifets, Juliana S Salgado, Madison Taylor, Paul Hoerbelt, Daniel F. Cardozo Pinto, Elizabeth E. Steinberg, Jessica J. Walsh, Ji Ying Sze, Robert C. Malenka

Science Translational Medicine December 11, 2019 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw6435 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics MDMA
Keywords Prosocial behavior Pharmacology
Citations 119
Key points Argues that fenfluramine can produce prosocial effects similar to MDMA without addictive properties, identifying a conserved neuronal pathway for developing safer therapeutics.

Abstract

-fenfluramine, a selective serotonin-releasing compound. By dissociating the mechanisms of MDMA's prosocial effects from its addictive properties, we provide evidence for a conserved neuronal pathway, which can be leveraged to develop novel therapeutics with limited abuse liability.

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