Ecstasy (MDMA)-addicted subjects show increased serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, independently from a rise of drug-induced psychotic symptoms.
The recreational drug 'ecstasy'[3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] exerts a potent action on central serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. These neurons utilize neurotrophins for their survival and function. In order to explore MDMA effects on neurotrophins, we measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in 'ecstasy-addicted', 'ecstasy-addicted with signs of psychosis' and 'healthy' subjects. We found that BDNF serum levels were significantly increased in both groups of 'ecstasy-addicted' as compared with 'healthy subjects', supporting the hypothesis that BDNF is involved in MDMA action.
Angelucci
Francesco
F
Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy. f.angelucci@hsantalucia.it
Ricci
Valerio
V
Martinotti
Giovanni
G
Palladino
Ilaria
I
Spalletta
Gianfranco
G
Caltagirone
Carlo
C
Bria
Pietro
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000097:blood; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000097:blood*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine