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Cerebral (1)H MRS alterations in recreational 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") users
1Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California 90502, USA. Linda_Chang@humc.edu
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|October 3, 1999
Summary
Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use did not show significant neuronal injury. However, increased myo-inositol in MDMA users suggests potential glial changes in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illicit psychoactive drug.
- Animal studies suggest MDMA can cause serotonergic axonal degeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurochemical abnormalities in recreational MDMA users.
- To assess potential brain changes associated with MDMA consumption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS).
- Evaluated mid-frontal, mid-occipital, and parietal brain regions in 22 MDMA users and 37 controls.
- Measured N-acetyl (NA), myo-inositol (MI), and creatine (CR) concentrations.
Main Results:
- Normal N-acetyl (NA) concentrations were observed in all brain regions.
- Increased myo-inositol (MI) concentration and MI to creatine (CR) ratio in the parietal white matter of MDMA users.
- Cumulative MDMA dose correlated with MI levels in parietal white matter and occipital cortex.
Conclusions:
- Normal NA levels indicate a lack of significant neuronal injury in recreational MDMA users.
- Elevated MI suggests that recreational MDMA use may lead to increased glial content.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of these glial changes.