Serotonergic neurotransmission in emotional processing: New evidence from long-term recreational poly-drug ecstasy use

Abstract

The brain’s serotonergic system plays a crucial role in the processing of emotional stimuli, and several studies have shown that a reduced serotonergic neurotransmission is associated with an increase in amygdala activity during emotional face processing. Prolonged recreational use of ecstasy (3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) induces alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission that are comparable to those observed in a depleted state. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we investigated the responsiveness of the amygdala to emotional face stimuli in recreational ecstasy users as a model of long-term serotonin depletion. Fourteen ecstasy users and 12 non-using controls underwent fMRI to measure the regional neural activity elicited in the amygdala by male or female faces expressing anger, disgust, fear, sadness, or no emotion. During fMRI, participants made a sex judgement on each face stimulus. Positron emission tomography with 11C-DASB was additionally performed to assess serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the brain. In the ecstasy users, SERT binding correlated negatively with amygdala activity, and accumulated lifetime intake of ecstasy tablets was associated with an increase in amygdala activity during angry face processing. Conversely, time since the last ecstasy intake was associated with a trend toward a decrease in amygdala activity during angry and sad face processing. These results indicate that the effects of long-term serotonin depletion resulting from ecstasy use are dose-dependent, affecting the functional neural basis of emotional face processing.

Pharmacies as potential providers of harm reduction services: A preliminary online survey

“…However, MDMA has lower addiction potential than other stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine, and regular chronic use is rare (Solowij et al., 1992). If MDMA were only legally available in pharmacies, then pharmacists would be able to stress that infrequent moderate usage of MDMA poses significantly less risk (Laursen et al., 2016).…”

Serotonin transporter availability, neurocognitive function and their correlation in abstinent 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine users

“…Kish et al (2010) described significant decreases in hippocampus (−20.8%, p < 0.01), frontal cortex (−27.3%, p < 0.01), occipital cortex (−46.1%, p < 0.01), temporal cortex (−26.7%, p < 0.01), parietal cortex (27.3%, p < 0.01), insular cortex (−26.3%, p < 0.01), and anterior cingulate cortex (−19.2%, p < 0.01). Laursen et al (2016) found significant results in the amygdala (−26.0%, p < 0.001). See Appendix 1 in Supporting Information S1 for a complete overview of data extracted regarding SERT availability.…”

“…SERT availability was measured in different ways. Two studies (de Win et al, 2004;Reneman et al, 2001) McN5652 was used as a SERT radioligand in one study (Thomasius et al, 2006) and [ 11 C] DASB in the other three (Kish et al, 2010;Laursen et al, 2016;McCann et al, 2008).…”

“…Kish et al (2010) found significant results with the CVLT in immediate recall (−7, 3% to −13.6%, p < 0.01), delayed recall (−11.4% to −17.8%, p < 0.01), interference (−17.9%, p < 0.001), and recognition (−2.5% to −3.1%, p < 0.05). Reneman et al (2001) Reaction time was assessed in two studies (Laursen et al, 2016;Reneman et al, 2006b). used Fespy, a neuropsychological computerized test battery.…”

“…used Fespy, a neuropsychological computerized test battery. Laursen et al (2016) determined reaction time using functionial magnetic resonance imaging. No significant results were found.…”