AIMS The main objective of this study is to describe the different neuropsychological deficits associated to the consumption of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'ecstasy'), as well as the growing evidence that attributes these deficits to the selective axonal damage to serotoninergic cells brought about by this substance. DEVELOPMENT MDMA is an amphetamine derivative that, like its ...

Background: 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a chemical derivative of amphetamine that can induce learning and memory impairment. Due to  the effect of neurotrophins  on memory and learning, the impact of MDMA was evaluated  on the brain - derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin- 4 (NT-4), and tropomyosin- related kinase B (Trk- β) expression in the hipp...

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") is a major stimulant drug of abuse worldwide. MDMA produces euphoria, enhances interpersonal communication and feelings of closeness with others. In contrast to the induced emotions of affection and sensual enhancement, clinical studies show that it impairs sexual drive and functioning. In drug-free humans, sexual stimulation with orgasm induces...

MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine) is the most commonly used substance within the 'ecstasy' group of drugs. MDMA interferes with serotonin and catecholamine transporters in the central nervous system to increase monoamine synaptic levels and thereby mediate the majority of its central nervous effects. These range from wanted effects like euphoria, central nervous stimulation, and feeling o...

BACKGROUND Animal experimental studies have prompted concerns that widespread use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy') by young people may pose a major public health problem in terms of persistent serotonin neurotoxicity. AIMS To determine the status of brain serotonin neurons in a group of abstinent MDMA users. METHOD We assessed the integrity of brain serotonin neurons b...

The epidemiologist faces two problems when ties. In June 1985, only four representatives had any attempting to gauge the prevalence of MDMA use. First, comment at all about MDMA. Chicago's representative users are still rather uncommon. This means that a general stated that "MDMA... has yet to show any signs of survey of Americans will fred only a few percent, at most, widespread availability."...

The neurotoxicity of (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") is influenced by temperature and varies according to species. The mechanisms underlying these two features of MDMA neurotoxicity are unknown, but differences in MDMA metabolism have recently been implicated in both. The present study was designed to 1) assess the effect of hypothermia on MDMA metabolism, 2) determine w...

We determined the prevalence and risk factors for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") use among college students in Astara, a northern border city of Iran. In a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 1226 students, the lifetime prevalence of ecstasy use was 5.6%. The lifetime prevalence of use of other drugs, mostly cannabis and opium, was 4.6%. A fifth of students (21.8%) wer...

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Melissa officinalis, a major antioxidant plant, against neuron toxicity in hippocampal primary culture induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, one of the most abused drugs, which causes neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromid...

Ecstasy or MDMA as a psychoactive drug and hallucinogen is considered one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. This psychotropic substance is discussed both as sexually stimulating and reducing fear and anxiety. Amphetamines also destroy neurons in some brain areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MDMA on anxiety and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Forty-two m...