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Effects of ecstasy (MDMA) on the brain in abstinent users: initial observations with diffusion and perfusion MR
L Reneman1, C B Majoie, J B Habraken
1Graduate School of Neurosciences, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands. l.reneman@amc.uva.nl
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) on the human brain by using diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
Materials And Methods:
Eight abstinent ecstasy users and six ecstasy nonusers underwent diffusion and perfusion MR imaging. Apparent diffusion coefficient and relative cerebral volume maps were reconstructed. Differences in apparent diffusion coefficient values and relative cerebral volume ratios between the groups were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test. The relationship between apparent diffusion coefficient and relative cerebral volume and the extent of previous ecstasy use was investigated with Spearman rank correlation.
Results:
Apparent diffusion coefficient values (0.84 vs 0.65 x 10(-5) cm(2)/sec, P <.025) and relative cerebral volume ratios (1.22 vs 1.01, P <.025) were significantly higher in the globus pallidus of ecstasy users compared with nonusers, respectively. Increases in pallidal relative cerebral volume were positively correlated with the extent of previous use of ecstasy (rho = 0.73, P <.04).
Conclusion:
Ecstasy use is associated with tissue changes in the globus pallidus. These findings are in agreement with findings in case reports, suggesting that the globus pallidus is particularly sensitive to the effects of ecstasy.
Insights
This study found that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) use is linked to tissue changes in the globus pallidus. These changes, observed via MRI, suggest the globus pallidus is particularly sensitive to MDMA
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy) is a psychoactive drug with known neurological effects.
- Understanding the long-term impact of MDMA on brain structure and function is crucial for public health and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of MDMA (ecstasy) on the human brain using advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques.
- Specifically, to evaluate changes in brain tissue using diffusion and perfusion MR imaging.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion and perfusion MR imaging were performed on eight abstinent ecstasy users and six nonusers.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative cerebral volume (RCV) maps were generated and analyzed.
- Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests and Spearman rank correlation to compare groups and assess relationships with usage extent.
Main Results:
- Ecstasy users exhibited significantly higher apparent diffusion coefficient values and relative cerebral volume ratios in the globus pallidus compared to nonusers.
- These increases in the globus pallidus were positively correlated with the extent of previous ecstasy use.
Conclusions:
- MDMA (ecstasy) use is associated with detectable tissue alterations in the globus pallidus.
- The findings suggest that the globus pallidus is a brain region particularly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.