Neuroendocrine abnormalities in recreational ecstasy (MDMA) users: is it ecstasy or cannabis?
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate neuroendocrine function in ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine = MDMA) users and controls.


METHODS
Prolactin response to d-fenfluramine was assessed in abstinent ecstasy users with concomitant use of cannabis only (n = 24, male/female 13/11) and in two control groups: healthy nonusers (n = 13, female) and exclusive cannabis users (n = 7, male).


RESULTS
Prolactin response to d-fenfluramine was slightly blunted in female ecstasy users. Both male user samples exhibited a weak prolactin response to d-fenfluramine, but this was weaker in the group of cannabis users. Baseline prolactin and prolactin response to d-fenfluramine were associated with the extent of previous cannabis use.


CONCLUSIONS
Endocrinological abnormalities of ecstasy users may be closely related to their coincident cannabis use. Cannabis use may be an important confound in endocrinological studies of ecstasy users and should be looked for more systematically in future studies.
Gouzoulis-Mayfrank
Euphrosyne
E
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty of the University of Technology (RWTH), Aachen, Germany.
Becker
Steffanie
S
Pelz
Susanne
S
Tuchtenhagen
Frank
F
Daumann
Jörg
J
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D005277:Fenfluramine; D011388:Prolactin; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine