| Modulatory factors in the long-term functional and neurobiological consequences of MDMA abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy (XTC) is a substituted amphetamine that has become a highly popular recreational drug in the western world. It is taken for its acute effects including euphoria, increased sociability and energy. The drug is used in the context of large, all-night dance parties (raves) by young adults who generally regard the drug as safe. This safe feeling of XTC users is challenged by ample evidence coming from animal studies showing that MDMA is neurotoxic to the central nervous serotonergic (5-HT) system. Behavioural reports on impulsivity, aggression and depression scores in the recreational XTC users confirm, at least at short term, a reduced central 5-HT functionality by MDMA. The exact mechanism of neurotoxicity caused by MDMA is not known. However, there are some indications that external and internal factors influence serotonergic damage. In this project several external (i.e. ambient temperature, sleep-deprivation and co-abuse of MDMA with other drugs) and internal (i.e. gender, locomotor activity and difference in coping strategy) factors in combination with MDMA will be studied to determine whether there is a long-term effect on serotonergic neurotoxicity, physiology and social behaviour (i.e. aggression and anxiety). Neurotoxicity will be determined by measuring 5-HT content in the brain by using HPLC and by immunohistochemistry. For determining the physiological effects we will look i.e. at body temperature and locomotor activity by using telemetry. |
