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
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Argues that rodent and primate evidence indicates MDMA and methamphetamine cause neurotoxicity in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, while human data remain limited.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants | 2016 | Review | |
| Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence Adolescent humans and preclinical animal models | 2021 | Review | |
| Can MDMA Play a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse? | 2013 | Review | |
| Neuroimaging in Human MDMA (Ecstasy) Users | 2008 | Review | |
| Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money | 2024 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Amphetamine toxicities Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences January 8, 2010
- 5-Iodo-2-aminoindan (5-IAI): chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of a research chemical producing MDMA-like effects. Toxicology Letters March 27, 2013
- Of mice and men on MDMA: a translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy'). Brain Research November 14, 2019
- Mice in ecstasy: advanced animal models in the study of MDMA. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology August 1, 2010
- Cocaine, metamfetamine, and MDMA abuse: the role and clinical importance of neuroadaptation. Clinical Toxicology August 2010
and 1 more in the library
Cites 5
- Neurotoxicity of MDMA and Related Compounds: Anatomic Studiesa Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 1990
- (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Clinical Studies Neuropsychobiology 2000
- Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 12, 2002
- Long-Term Neuropsychiatric Consequences of "Ecstasy" (MDMA): A Review Harvard Review of Psychiatry 2002
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) neurotoxicity: cellular and molecular mechanisms. Brain research. Brain research reviews May 2003