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Imaging brain activity in conscious monkeys following oral MDMA ("ecstasy")
Mathew E Brevard1, Jerrold S Meyer, Josie A Harder
1Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. mathew.brevard@umassmed.edu
Abstract:
Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA;"ecstasy") poses worldwide potential health problems. Clinical studies show that repeated exposure to low oral doses of MDMA has toxic effects on the brain, altering cognitive and psychosocial behavior. Functional magnetic resonance imaging in conscious marmoset monkeys was used to evaluate the sensitivity of the brain to an oral dose of MDMA (1 mg/kg). Following MDMA administration, the midbrain raphe nuclei and substantia nigra, major sources of serotonin and dopamine, were activated as were the hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala. The corticostriatal circuit of dorsal thalamus, sensorimotor cortex and basal ganglia showed a robust, coherent activation pattern. Two key reward areas, the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, and most other cortical regions showed little activation. The visual cortex, however, showed intense activation without applied visual stimuli. These data identify brain areas and functional circuits sensitive to a recreational dose of MDMA, some of which may be vulnerable to long-term intermittent exposure to this drug.
Insights
Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") activates specific brain regions, including those involved in serotonin and dopamine pathways. This study reveals brain areas sensitive to MDMA, potentially vulnerable to long-term use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") use presents global health concerns.
- Clinical evidence indicates that repeated low-dose MDMA exposure can induce neurotoxicity, impacting cognitive and psychosocial functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the brain's sensitivity to a single, recreational oral dose of MDMA (1 mg/kg) in conscious marmoset monkeys.
- To identify specific brain regions and functional circuits affected by MDMA administration.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed in conscious marmoset monkeys.
- Monkeys received an oral dose of MDMA (1 mg/kg) to assess immediate brain responses.
Main Results:
- MDMA activated midbrain raphe nuclei and substantia nigra (serotonin and dopamine sources), hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala.
- A coherent activation pattern was observed in the corticostriatal circuit (dorsal thalamus, sensorimotor cortex, basal ganglia).
- Unexpectedly intense activation occurred in the visual cortex without external stimuli, while reward areas showed minimal activation.
Conclusions:
- This study pinpoints brain areas and functional circuits responsive to a recreational MDMA dose.
- Certain activated regions, particularly the visual cortex, may be susceptible to long-term damage from intermittent MDMA exposure.
