Ecstasy affects memory through serotonin
Individuals who reported to binge on MDMA did not develop dopamine neurotoxicity. "Using PET methods that bind to brain dopamine and serotonin axon terminals, we found no evidence of dopamine toxicity in abstinent MDMA users, even if they reported prior binge use," McCann said.
"In contrast, as previously, we found significant decreases in brain serotonin markers that were related to extent of prior MDMA use. Further, there was a relationship between brain serotonin markers and memory performance, with increased markers associated with better memory performance."
This study is the first of its kind to establish the relationship between serotonin transporters and cognitive performance. Memory performance in both MDMA users and non-MDMA users was linked with serotonergic binding in brain areas that are typically associated with memory function.
The findings appear to be universal. "This relationship was seen in both MDMA users and controls, suggesting that serotonin systems play a role in short-term memory in healthy individuals and supporting the notion that MDMA-induced serotonin injury plays a role in memory problems that have been found in prior MDMA users," McCann said.
Since the results showed that MDMA users experienced less serotonin transporter binding in multiple brain regions, it was inferred that their impaired performance on memory tasks was related to their serotonergic deficit.
The researchers noted that other factors, such as MDMA-induced sleep deprivation, might have led to poorer cognitive performance. In the meantime, research continues to examine the functional consequences of serotonin, which has been linked to mood, memory and sleep cycles.
"In contrast, as previously, we found significant decreases in brain serotonin markers that were related to extent of prior MDMA use. Further, there was a relationship between brain serotonin markers and memory performance, with increased markers associated with better memory performance."
This study is the first of its kind to establish the relationship between serotonin transporters and cognitive performance. Memory performance in both MDMA users and non-MDMA users was linked with serotonergic binding in brain areas that are typically associated with memory function.
The findings appear to be universal. "This relationship was seen in both MDMA users and controls, suggesting that serotonin systems play a role in short-term memory in healthy individuals and supporting the notion that MDMA-induced serotonin injury plays a role in memory problems that have been found in prior MDMA users," McCann said.
Since the results showed that MDMA users experienced less serotonin transporter binding in multiple brain regions, it was inferred that their impaired performance on memory tasks was related to their serotonergic deficit.
The researchers noted that other factors, such as MDMA-induced sleep deprivation, might have led to poorer cognitive performance. In the meantime, research continues to examine the functional consequences of serotonin, which has been linked to mood, memory and sleep cycles.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
idosedthekoolaid
posted 11/14/08 @ 2:49 PM EST
OH YES, let's PLEASE listen to Johns Hopkins U. researchers on this topic, since they did such a divinely WONDERFUL job with "Severe Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity in Primates After a Common Recreational Dose Regimen of MDMA" in 2002. (Continued…)
deepansh
Effects of ecstasy
posted 12/23/08 @ 4:10 AM EST
Ecstasy is very dangerous drug. There are many side effects of ecstasy such as, depression, confusion, sleep problem, low concentration, increases heart rate and blood pressure, eye pupil dilation and bruxia effects. (Continued…)
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