Validity of [123I]β‐CIT SPECT in detecting MDMA‐induced serotonergic neurotoxicity
Liesbeth Reneman, Jan Booij, Jan B. A. Habraken, Kora de Bruin, George Hatzidimitriou, Gerard J. den Heeten, George A. Ricaurte
Synapse September 5, 2002 DOI: 10.1002/syn.10130 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Rhesus monkey and rats |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Dose | 5 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days |
| Duration | 31 days post-treatment |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Binding potential Neurotoxicity Serotonin transporter Endocrinology Pharmacology Nuclear medicine |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key findings | SPECT imaging with [123I]β-CIT can detect MDMA-induced reductions in serotonin transporter density in the hypothalamic/midbrain region. |
Abstract
Abstract Recent [ 123 I]β‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies revealed decreased serotonin transporters (SERT) density in the brain of humans with a history of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) use. However, [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT has until now not been validated as a method for detecting such serotonergic lesions. Therefore, the present study was undertaken. Following baseline [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT scans, a rhesus monkey was treated with MDMA (5 mg/kg, s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days). SPECT studies 4, 10, and 31 days after MDMA treatment revealed decreases in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding ratios in the SERT‐rich brain region studied (hypothalamic/midbrain region), with SERT density reduced by 39% in this brain region 31 days after treatment. Data obtained with SPECT studies correlated well with SERT density determined with autoradiography after sacrifice of the animal (−34%). In addition, ex vivo [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding studies in rats 1 week after treatment with neurotoxic doses of MDMA (20 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days) revealed significant reductions in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding in SERT‐rich regions (including the hypothalamus) when compared to saline‐treated rats. The combined results of these studies indicate that SPECT imaging of SERT with [ 123 I]β‐CIT can detect changes in SERT density secondary to MDMA‐induced neurotoxicity in the hypothalamic/midbrain region, and possibly other brain regions. Synapse 46:199–205, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Neurotoxicity of methylenedioxyamphetamines (MDMA; ecstasy) in humans: how strong is the evidence for persistent brain damage? Addiction February 27, 2006
- Mood, cognition and serotonin transporter availability in current and former ecstasy (MDMA) users: the longitudinal perspective Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
- Neuroimaging findings with MDMA/ecstasy: technical aspects, conceptual issues and future prospects Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
- Neuroimaging of chronic MDMA (“ecstasy”) effects: A meta-analysis Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews November 12, 2018
- Autophagy inhibition plays a protective role against 3, 4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐induced loss of serotonin transporters and depressive‐like behaviors in rats Pharmacological Research February 28, 2019
and 8 more in the library
Cites 13
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- Altered Serotonin Innervation Patterns in the Forebrain of Monkeys Treated with (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Seven Years Previously: Factors Influencing Abnormal Recovery Journal of Neuroscience June 15, 1999
and 8 more in the library