Morphological adaptations in the brain motive circuit induced by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy)

Repeated MDMA administration causes long-lasting changes in behavior linked to altered striatal neuronal activity and limbic cortico-striatal morphology. The neurobehavioral effects are strongly modulated by individual differences and the context of drug administration. These findings offer insight into the neural mechanisms underlying MDMA's behavioral effects and potentially the substrates of maladaptive drug use.

Study at a glance

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.