Neuroendocrine and Mood Responses to Intravenous L-Tryptophan in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Users
Archives of General Psychiatry January 1, 1989 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1989.01810010022003 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA, also known as ecstasy, damages serotonin neurons in lab animals. In humans, this study compared nine recreational MDMA users with nine matched controls by measuring prolactin and mood responses to an intravenous dose of L-tryptophan, a serotonin precursor. L-Tryptophan normally raises prolactin levels, but this response was blunted in MDMA users, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The findings suggest altered serotonin function in MDMA users, but more definitive studies are needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Recreational MDMA users and matched healthy controls |
| Intervention | Intravenous L-tryptophan |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Mood Psychology Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 92 |
| Key finding | MDMA users showed blunted prolactin response to L-tryptophan, suggesting altered serotonin function, but the difference from controls was not statistically significant. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a selective serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin in laboratory animals. To assess its effects on 5-HT function in humans, serum prolactin (PRL) and mood responses to intravenous L-tryptophan were measured in nine recreational users of MDMA and compared with findings from nine matched healthy controls. L-Tryptophan induced a rise in the PRL concentration in controls, but not in MDMA users. Peak change and the area under the curve of the PRL response appeared to be blunted in MDMA users, but the difference from controls did not reach statistical significance. This study provides suggestive evidence of altered 5-HT function in MDMA users, but more definitive studies clearly are needed.