Of mice and men on MDMA: a translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy').
María A. Aguilar, María P García-Pardo, A. Parrott
Brain Research November 14, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146556 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Humans and mice |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Chronic MDMA use preferentially causes serotonergic dysfunction in humans but dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice, while both species show altered brain structure and function and hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial, and psychiatric effects. The authors propose that pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have advanced understanding of the neurochemical basis of MDMA's effects and may inform future treatments for MDMA-related disorders. |
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a stimulant drug recreationally used by young adults usually in dance clubs and raves. Acute MDMA administration increases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters. In this work, we review the studies carried out over the last 30 years on the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA in humans and mice and summarise the current knowledge. The two species differ with respect to the neurochemical consequences of chronic MDMA, since it preferentially induces serotonergic dysfunction in humans and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. However, MDMA alters brain structure and function and induces hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes in both species, as well as physically damaging and teratogen effects. Pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have increased our knowledge of the neurochemical substrate of the multiple effects of MDMA. Future work in this area may contribute to developing pharmacological treatments for MDMA-related disorders.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms. Experimental Neurology October 1, 2021
- Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior January 27, 2021
- Psychotherapy-supported MDMA treatment for PTSD Cell Reports Medicine August 1, 2021
- What should constitute a control condition in psychedelic drug trials? Nature Mental Health October 1, 2024
- Examining the Role of Oxytocinergic Signaling and Neuroinflammatory Markers in the Therapeutic Effects of MDMA in a Rat Model for PTSD. Pharmaceuticals June 27, 2024
and 4 more in the library
Cites 235
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and 230 more in the library