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Diffusion tensor imaging in MDMA users and controls: association with decision making.

F Gerard Moeller1, Joel L Steinberg, Scott D Lane

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Frederick.g.moeller@uth.tmc.edu

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|November 13, 2007
PubMed
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Diffusion Tensor Imaging reveals altered brain structure in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users, specifically in the corpus callosum. These changes correlate with increased impulsivity and impaired decision-making.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychopharmacology

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug with known psychoactive effects.
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a neuroimaging technique sensitive to microstructural changes in the brain.
  • Previous research suggests potential neurotoxic effects of MDMA, but its impact on white matter integrity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MDMA use on white matter microstructure in the corpus callosum using DTI.
  • To examine the relationship between DTI-derived measures, impulsivity, and decision-making in MDMA users.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-brain DTI data acquisition was performed on 12 MDMA users and 20 healthy controls.
  • Analysis focused on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (D(av)), longitudinal (lambda(1)), and transverse (lambda(T)) diffusivities in 6 regions of the corpus callosum.

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  • Behavioral assessments included the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

    • Main Results:

    • MDMA users exhibited significantly reduced lambda(1) in the rostral body of the corpus callosum compared to controls.
    • No significant group differences were found in lambda(T), FA, or D(av).
    • MDMA users scored higher on the BIS nonplanning subscale and showed a greater preference for disadvantageous choices on the IGT. A positive correlation was observed between lambda(1) in the rostral body and advantageous choices on the IGT.

    Conclusions:

    • MDMA use is associated with specific microstructural alterations in the rostral body of the corpus callosum, indicated by reduced longitudinal diffusivity.
    • These DTI findings correlate with behavioral measures of impulsivity and impaired decision-making.
    • Further research is warranted to elucidate the etiological mechanisms underlying these observed neurobiological and behavioral changes.