Methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) Neurotoxicity: 'of Mice and Men'
Yossef Itzhak, Cindy Achat‐mendes
IUBMB Life May 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1080/15216540410001727699 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Neurotoxicity Methamphetamine Dopaminergic Pharmacology Meth- |
| Citations | 60 |
| Key findings | Compelling evidence from rodent and primate studies suggests methamphetamine and MDMA cause neurotoxicity in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, with recent transgenic mouse research identifying roles for dopamine transporters, nitric oxide, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokines. |
Abstract
Abstract Methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4‐meythylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy') are currently major drugs of abuse. One of the major concerns of amphetamines abuse is their potential neurotoxic effect on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Although data from human studies are somewhat limited, compelling evidence suggests that these drugs cause neurotoxicity in rodents and primates. Recent studies in transgenic and knockout mice identified the role of dopamine transporters, nitric oxide, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in amphetamines neurotoxicity. Further research into the mechanisms underlying the dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity and the behavioral corollaries of these neuronal insults could facilitate our understanding of the consequences of human abuse of METH and MDMA on cognition, drug‐seeking behavior, extinction and relapse. IUBMB Life, 56: 249‐255, 2004