Liver
June 1, 1999
G. Beitia, A. Cobreros, L. Sainz et al.
Abstract:Aims/Background: Hepatocellular damage has been reported as a consequence of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) intake. However, little is known about the cellular mechanisms involved. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of MDMA on cell viability as well as free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in short‐term cultured hepatocytes. Reduced glutathione (GSH),...
Pharmacology & Toxicology
June 1, 1999
María Isabel Colado, Raquel Ena María Granados, Esther O’shea et al.
26 citations
Abstract: Administration of a single dose of the recreationally used drug 3, 4‐methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA or “eve”) to Dark Agouti rats resulted in an acute dose‐dependent hyperthermic response. The peak effect and duration of hyperthermia of a dose of MDEA of 35 mg/kg intraperitoneally was similar to a dose of 3, 4‐methylenedioxymetham‐phetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) of 15 mg/kg...
New England Journal of Medicine
May 6, 1999
Scott Mintzer, Susan L. Hickenbottom, Sid Gilman
56 citations
To the Editor: Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “ecstasy”), a hallucinogen, has increased both in Europe and the United States.1 This substance is manufactured in illicit laboratories from a variety of organic ketone precursors. MDMA, which is structurally related both to the stimulant amphetamine and to the hallucinogen mescaline, promotes the release of both...
British Journal of Pharmacology
February 1, 1999
María Isabel Colado, Esther O’shea, R Granados et al.
82 citations
We investigated whether dopamine plays a role in the neurodegeneration of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) nerve endings occurring in Dark Agouti rat brain after 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) administration. Haloperidol (2 mg kg −1 i.p.) injected 5 min prior and 55 min post MDMA (15 mg kg −1 i.p.) abolished the acute MDMA‐induced hyperthermia and attenuated the neurotoxic loss...
Human & Experimental Toxicology
February 1, 1999
Andrew Walubo, Donna Seger
73 citations
A 53-year-old prisoner died of multiorgan failure after a suicidal overdose with 3,4-methylenedeoxymethamphe-tamine (MDMA, `Ecstasy'). Twelve hours after ingestion of MDMA, the patient became severely hyperthermic (107.2°F) with evidence of rhabdomyolysis. He subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute renal failure....
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
February 1, 1999
Jones, Simpson
134 citations
The social use of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethampheta‐mine, MDMA) and amphetamines is widespread in the UK and Europe, and they are popularly considered as ‘safe’. However, deaths have occurred and hepatotox‐icity has featured in many cases of intoxication with amphetamine or its methylenedioxy analogues such as ecstasy. Recreational use of these drugs presents an important but often concealed...
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
January 7, 1999
Karl Jansen
127 citations
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is generally described as non-addictive. However, this report describes three cases in which criteria for dependence were met. A wider understanding that MDMA can be addictive in rare cases is important as very heavy use may cause lasting neuronal changes. This risk could be reduced with effective identification and treatment of dependent persons. In one...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
1999
A Alciati, B Scaramelli, A Fusi et al.
Three cases of delirium experienced by three young friends after recreational use of "ecstasy" are reported--a syndrome which, to the best of the authors' knowledge, has not been previously observed in MDMA abusers. Special attention is given to the etiological factors and clinical features of the adverse reaction.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
December 1, 1998
George Greer, Requa Tolbert
187 citations
A method for preparing clients and conducting therapeutic sessions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is described, with emphasis on the need for careful attention to the mental set of therapists and clients and the setting of the session. The therapists' belief was that MDMA inhibited the fear response to a perceived emotional threat, allowing the client to place the emotional...
Neurology
December 1, 1998
Karen I Bolla, Una D. Mccann, George A. Ricaurte
376 citations
Abstinent MDMA users have impairment in verbal and visual memory. The extent of memory impairment correlates with the degree of MDMA exposure and the reduction in brain 5-HT, as indexed by CSF 5-HIAA.