Neurotransmitter Effects
Molly, 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-Methylamphetamine, MDMA. All three of these are synonymous names for the popular synthetic drug ecstasy. Due to its molecular structure (pictured below), ecstasy acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen.
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Similar to other amphetamines and cocaine, ecstasy blocks the reuptake pumps of certain neurotransmitters. This, in turn, increases the amount of those neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap and causes adverse effects on postsynaptic neuron receptors. The main neurotransmitter levels affected by ecstasy are norepinephrine, dopamine, and specifically serotonin (pictured below).
Watch this video to learn more about ecstasy in general from a previous user.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that affects mood, causes a sense of warmth, and encourages human interaction. The initial effect of ecstasy is due to the release of serotonin by the serotonergic neurons (neurons stimulated by serotonin). This causes the feelings of euphoria and a general lack of inhibitions attributed to ecstasy.
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The main effects MDMA has are:
- Causing release of 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT (serotonin)
Normal Synapse MDMA Effect on Synapse
After the initial exposure to ecstasy, there is a decrease in serotonin levels due to the reduced activity of tryptophan hydroxylase. Tryptophan hydroxylase is the enzyme in charge of synthesizing serotonin. This reduced activity is due to the principle of homeostasis. Ecstasy causes an artificial increase in serotonin. This increase causes the body to initiate pathways to reduce the amount of serotonin; this is done through negative feedback on tryptophan hydroxylase.
Watch this video to learn more about ecstasy's impact with the brain.
MDMA also alters brain 5-HT neurotransmission by decreasing the binding potential of serotonin in the brain. A 2000 study showed that MDMA brains had significantly lower [123I]R91150 binding ratios in the cortex. [123I]R91150 receptors are a part of 5-HT2 receptors (serotonin receptors), so the study concluded that decreased binding of 5-HT2 receptors is caused by MDMA induced serotonin release.
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A 2016 study reexamined the effects of ecstasy on neurotransmitter systems. The study used preclinical and clinical molecular imaging to show alterations of the serotonin system. On average, both animal and human heavy ecstasy users suffered from a loss of serotonin binding potential, which reflects 5-HT neurotoxicity. A 1999 study examined MDMA use in rodents and primates. These rodents were given moderate to high doses of MDMA twice daily for four days. The results (pictured below) show that the animals had reduced numbers of serotonergic neurons even seven years after.
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The rats also showed decreased expression of the serotonin transporter, which is in charge of regulating reuptake, as well as an increase in the expression of genes that regulates tryptophan hydroxylase.
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Another 2016 study examined MDMA use on monkey brains through MRI and SPECT fusion scans. The study measures the number of active serotonin transporters (SERT) in the SPECT scans. The SERT levels of the brain were evaluated and presented as the serotonin uptake ratios. The study focused on the midbrain, thalamus, and striatum.
The researchers discovered that the uptake ratios were significantly lower in the brains of MDMA than the control group (as seen by the lack of red color in the brains exposed to MDMA), indicating lower brain SERT levels in the MDMA-treated monkeys.
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Click through the rest of our pages to discover more about ecstasy!
Watch this video to learn more about how ecstasy can change a person.
Nikita Nair 2020