Historique
Périodique
Neurotoxicity of methylenedioxyamphetamines (MDMA; ecstasy) in humans: how strong is the evidence for persistent brain damage?
(La neurotoxicité de la méthylènedioxyamphétamine - MDMA, ecstasy - chez l'homme : quelles sont les preuves significatives de dégats cérébraux persistants ?)
Auteur(s) :
GOUZOULIS-MAYFRANK, E. ;
DAUMANN, J.
Année :
2006
Page(s) :
348-361
Sous-type de document :
Revue de la littérature / Literature review
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Refs biblio. :
159
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
PRO (Produits, mode d'action, méthode de dépistage / Substances, action mode, screening methods)
Thésaurus mots-clés
MDMA-ECSTASY
;
EFFET SECONDAIRE
;
TOXICITE
;
NEUROBIOLOGIE
;
SEROTONINE
;
TROUBLES DE LA MEMOIRE
Note générale :
Addiction, 2006, 101, (3), 348-361
Résumé :
FRANÇAIS :
Les conclusions de cette revue de la littérature suggèrent des altérations résiduelles de la transmission sérotoninergique chez les usagers d'ecstasy. Après une longue abstinence des séquelles peuvent persister, notamment des troubles de la mémoire.
ENGLISH:
Background: The popular dance drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: MDMA and some analogues) causes selective and persistent neurotoxic damage of central serotonergic neurones in laboratory animals. Serotonin plays a role in numerous functional systems in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, various abnormalities including psychiatric, vegetative, neuroendocrine and cognitive disorders could be expected in humans following MDMA-induced neurotoxic brain damage. Aims: In recent years, the question of ecstasy-induced neurotoxicity and possible functional sequelae has been addressed in several studies with drug users. The aim of this paper was to review this literature and weigh the strength of the evidence for persistent brain damage in ecstasy users. Methods: We used Medline to view all available publications on 'ecstasy' or 'MDMA'. All available studies dealing with ecstasy users entered this analysis. Findings and conclusions: Despite large methodological problems the bulk of evidence suggests residual alterations of serotonergic transmission in MDMA users, although at least partial restitution may occur after long-term abstinence. However, functional sequelae may persist even after longer periods of abstinence. To date, the most consistent findings associate subtle cognitive, particularly memory, impairments with heavy ecstasy use. However, the evidence cannot be considered definite and the issues of possible pre-existing traits or the effects of polydrug use are not resolved. Recommendations: Questions about the neurotoxic effects of ecstasy on the brain remain highly topical in light of its popularity among young people. More longitudinal and prospective studies are clearly needed in order to obtain a better understanding of the possible long-term sequelae of ecstasy use in humans. (Review' s abstract)
Les conclusions de cette revue de la littérature suggèrent des altérations résiduelles de la transmission sérotoninergique chez les usagers d'ecstasy. Après une longue abstinence des séquelles peuvent persister, notamment des troubles de la mémoire.
ENGLISH:
Background: The popular dance drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: MDMA and some analogues) causes selective and persistent neurotoxic damage of central serotonergic neurones in laboratory animals. Serotonin plays a role in numerous functional systems in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, various abnormalities including psychiatric, vegetative, neuroendocrine and cognitive disorders could be expected in humans following MDMA-induced neurotoxic brain damage. Aims: In recent years, the question of ecstasy-induced neurotoxicity and possible functional sequelae has been addressed in several studies with drug users. The aim of this paper was to review this literature and weigh the strength of the evidence for persistent brain damage in ecstasy users. Methods: We used Medline to view all available publications on 'ecstasy' or 'MDMA'. All available studies dealing with ecstasy users entered this analysis. Findings and conclusions: Despite large methodological problems the bulk of evidence suggests residual alterations of serotonergic transmission in MDMA users, although at least partial restitution may occur after long-term abstinence. However, functional sequelae may persist even after longer periods of abstinence. To date, the most consistent findings associate subtle cognitive, particularly memory, impairments with heavy ecstasy use. However, the evidence cannot be considered definite and the issues of possible pre-existing traits or the effects of polydrug use are not resolved. Recommendations: Questions about the neurotoxic effects of ecstasy on the brain remain highly topical in light of its popularity among young people. More longitudinal and prospective studies are clearly needed in order to obtain a better understanding of the possible long-term sequelae of ecstasy use in humans. (Review' s abstract)
Affiliation :
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, D-50924 Cologne.
Allemagne. Germany.
Allemagne. Germany.