Morphological adaptations in the brain motive circuit induced by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy)
The FASEB Journal April 1, 2010 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.300.5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Repeated MDMA administration induces long-lasting changes in behavior related to altered striatal neuronal activity and limbic cortico-striatal morphology, with effects modulated by individual differences and context. |
Abstract
MDMA is a widely used amphetamine derivative that increases dopamine and serotonin transmission via its interaction with monoamine transporters. Compared to other psychostimulants, little is known about the long‐term neurobehavioral effects of MDMA. We conducted a series of studies aimed at elucidating the effects of MDMA administration on behavior, limbic cortico‐striatal neuronal structure, and striatal electrophysiology. We found that repeated MDMA administration induces long‐lasting changes in behavior that are related to altered striatal neuronal activity and limbic cortico‐striatal morphology. Also, we found that the neurobehavioral effects of MDMA are strongly modulated by individual differences and the context surrounding drug administration. These results provide unique insight into the neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of MDMA and perhaps the substrates of maladaptive drug use in general.