Ibogaine induces glial activation in parasagittal zones of the cerebellum.

Ibogaine, a drug proposed for treating addiction, activates glial cells in the cerebellum of rats, indicating possible neurotoxicity. After one to three doses of ibogaine (100 mg per kg of body weight), markers for microglia and astrocytes increased, and these cells changed shape. The activated glial cells appeared in striped patterns within the cerebellar vermis, suggesting degeneration of Purkinje neurons.

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Abstract

Ibogaine, an indole alkaloid, has been proposed for treatment of drug addiction, yet its mechanism, site of action, and possible neurotoxicity have not been determined. Since neuronal injury is known to activate neurologlial cells, we investigated potential neurotoxic effects of this drug in rats by examining expression of specific glial markers. After treatment with ibogaine (100 mg kg-1 i.p.; 1-3 doses), we observed increased cytochemical markers in both microglia (OX-6, OX-42, W3/25) and astrocytes (GFAP), associated with striking morphologic changes in these cells. Activated glial cells were restricted to longitudinally oriented, parasagittal stripes within the vermis of cerebellar cortex. The ibogaine-induced activation of cerebellar glial cells is highly suggestive of neuronal degeneration, most likely of Purkinje cells.