Neural correlates of working memory in pure and polyvalent ecstasy (MDMA) users
Jörg Daumann, Ralph Schnitker, Jürgen Weidemann, Knut Schnell, A. Thron, Euphrosyne Gouzoulis‐mayfrank
Neuroreport October 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200310270-00021 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Currently abstinent pure MDMA users, polyvalent MDMA users, and non-users |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Dopaminergic Cognition Working memory |
| Citations | 46 |
| Key findings | Pure MDMA users showed lower brain activation in inferior temporal regions, angular gyrus, and striate cortex during a working memory task compared to controls and polyvalent users, while polyvalent users did not differ from controls. |
Abstract
Poor cognitive performance in ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) users has been related to the well-recognized neurotoxic effects of the drug upon central serotonergic and possibly also dopaminergic systems. However, concomitant use of other drugs has been a critical confound in most investigations. In this study we used an n-back task and fMRI to investigate working memory performance and related cerebral activation in eight, currently abstinent pure MDMA users and two matched groups of polyvalent MDMA users and non-users. Pure MDMA users presented lower activations than controls and/or polyvalent users, most notably in inferior temporal regions, the angular gyrus and the striate cortex, whereas polyvalent users did not differ from controls. Our results suggest that altered brain activation patterns during cognitive processing in ecstasy users may be mainly associated with prior MDMA use. Concomitant use of other drugs may modify this effect.