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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological psychiatry (1969) 2002-05, Vol.51 (9), p.766-769
Main Authors: Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, Euphrosyne, Becker, Steffanie, Pelz, Susanne, Tuchtenhagen, Frank, Daumann, Jörg
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictive behaviors
Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - adverse effects
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Analysis of Variance
Biological and medical sciences
cannabis
Cannabis - adverse effects
d-fenfluramine
Drug addiction
Drug addictions
Ecstasy
Female
Fenfluramine - administration & dosage
Fenfluramine - blood
Humans
Male
MDMA
Medical sciences
N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine - adverse effects
Neurosecretory Systems - abnormalities
neurotoxicity
Prolactin - metabolism
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
serotonin
Serotonin Agents - administration & dosage
Serotonin Agents - blood
Street Drugs - adverse effects
Time Factors
Toxicology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0006-3223
1873-2402
DOI:10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01306-3