Oxytocin receptor gene variation predicts subjective responses to MDMA
Anya K. Bershad, Jessica Weafer, Matthew G. Kirkpatrick, Margaret C. Wardle, Melissa A. Miller, Harriet de Wit
Social Neuroscience January 20, 2016 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2016.1143026 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Within-subjects, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers with past MDMA experience |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Dose | 0, 0.75 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg |
| Duration | Three sessions |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Oxytocin receptor Single-nucleotide polymorphism Genotype Developmental psychology |
| Citations | 35 |
| Key findings | MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) did not increase sociability in individuals with the A/A genotype of the OXTR rs53576 polymorphism, whereas it did in G allele carriers. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") enhances desire to socialize and feelings of empathy, which are thought to be related to increased oxytocin levels. Thus, variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) may influence responses to the drug. Here, we examined the influence of a single OXTR nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on responses to MDMA in humans. Based on findings that carriers of the A allele at rs53576 exhibit reduced sensitivity to oxytocin-induced social behavior, we hypothesized that these individuals would show reduced subjective responses to MDMA, including sociability. In this three-session, double blind, within-subjects study, healthy volunteers with past MDMA experience (N = 68) received a MDMA (0, 0.75 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg) and provided self-report ratings of sociability, anxiety, and drug effects. These responses were examined in relation to rs53576. MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) did not increase sociability in individuals with the A/A genotype as it did in G allele carriers. The genotypic groups did not differ in responses at the lower MDMA dose, or in cardiovascular or other subjective responses. These findings are consistent with the idea that MDMA-induced sociability is mediated by oxytocin, and that variation in the oxytocin receptor gene may influence responses to the drug.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 26
- Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology November 1, 2018
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews December 16, 2020
- The effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing: Does MDMA differ from other stimulants? Journal of Psychopharmacology August 26, 2016
- Inhibition of serotonin transporters disrupts the enhancement of fear memory extinction by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Psychopharmacology July 24, 2017
- Progress and promise for the MDMA drug development program. Psychopharmacology November 20, 2017
and 21 more in the library
Cites 18
- The safety and efficacy of {+/-}3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 19, 2010
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Comparison of the monoamine transporters from human and mouse in their sensitivities to psychostimulant drugs BMC Pharmacology March 3, 2006
- Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study. Journal of Psychopharmacology 2013
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
and 13 more in the library