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"Ecstasy" and Serotonin Neurotoxicity
New Findings Raise More Questions
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001;58:907-908.
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| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
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THE ARTICLE by Reneman et al1 in this
issue of the ARCHIVES is timely and provocative and highlights several areas
of controversy in the fields of substance abuse, drug-induced neurotoxic effects,
and neuroimaging. The authors present evidence that the illicit recreational
drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") may cause persistent
cognitive deficits2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and that these deficits are related to the extent of previous MDMA use. Based
on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging with 123I-labeled 2ß-carbomethoxy-3ß-(4-iodophenyl)tropane (ß-CIT),
they conclude that MDMA causes neurotoxic injury to cortical serotonin (5-HT)
axon terminals that may be reversible. This is the first study to evaluate
a separate cohort of previous MDMA users who have abstained from use for longer
than 1 year, and thus has the potential to provide information regarding long-term
effects of exposure to MDMA.
With respect to cognitive effects of MDMA, there is some question regarding
the role of concomitant marijuana use . . . [Full Text of this Article]
RELATED ARTICLE
Cortical Serotonin Transporter Density and Verbal Memory in Individuals Who Stopped Using 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy"): Preliminary Findings
Liesbeth Reneman, Jules Lavalaye, Ben Schmand, Frederik A. de Wolff, Wim van den Brink, Gerard J. den Heeten, and Jan Booij
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001;58(10):901-906.
ABSTRACT
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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
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Cognition in Novice Ecstasy Users With Minimal Exposure to Other Drugs: A Prospective Cohort Study
Schilt et al.
Arch Gen Psychiatry 2007;64:728-736.
ABSTRACT
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Ecstasy in the Brain: A Model for Neuroimaging
Hurley et al.
J. Neuropsychiatry Clin. Neurosi. 2002;14:125-129.
FULL TEXT
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