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02-02-2007, 03:05 AM
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug. It acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen because of its molecular structure, which is similar to that of both amphetamines and LSD. Like amphetamines and cocaine, ecstasy blocks the reuptake pumps for certain neurotransmitters, thus increasing their levels in the synaptic gap and their effect on the post-synaptic neurons’ receptors.
While ecstasy also potentiates the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine, it is distinguished from other psychostimulants by its strong affinity for serotonin transporters. The initial effect of ecstasy is thus an increased release of serotonin by the serotonergic neurons. The individual may then experience increased energy, euphoria, and the suppression of certain inhibitions in relating to other people.
A few hours later, there is a decrease in serotonin levels, amplified by the reduced activity of tryptophane hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing serotonin. This decrease can last much longer than the initial increase. Once again, an artificial increase in the level of a neurotransmitter exercises negative feedback on the enzyme that manufactures it. As a result, when intake of the drug ceases, the excess turns into a shortage.
Like all psychoactive drugs that produce a sensation of pleasure, ecstasy also increases the release of dopamine into the reward circuit. In addition, the extra serotonin produced by ecstasy leads indirectly to excitement of the dopaminergic neurons by the serotonergic neurons that connect to them.
The toxicity of ecstasy for humans has not been clearly established, but animal studies have shown that chronic high doses of MDMA lead to selective destruction of the terminal buttons of the serotonergic neurons.
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug. It acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen because of its molecular structure, which is similar to that of both amphetamines and LSD. Like amphetamines and cocaine, ecstasy blocks the reuptake pumps for certain neurotransmitters, thus increasing their levels in the synaptic gap and their effect on the post-synaptic neurons’ receptors.
While ecstasy also potentiates the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine, it is distinguished from other psychostimulants by its strong affinity for serotonin transporters. The initial effect of ecstasy is thus an increased release of serotonin by the serotonergic neurons. The individual may then experience increased energy, euphoria, and the suppression of certain inhibitions in relating to other people.
A few hours later, there is a decrease in serotonin levels, amplified by the reduced activity of tryptophane hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing serotonin. This decrease can last much longer than the initial increase. Once again, an artificial increase in the level of a neurotransmitter exercises negative feedback on the enzyme that manufactures it. As a result, when intake of the drug ceases, the excess turns into a shortage.
Like all psychoactive drugs that produce a sensation of pleasure, ecstasy also increases the release of dopamine into the reward circuit. In addition, the extra serotonin produced by ecstasy leads indirectly to excitement of the dopaminergic neurons by the serotonergic neurons that connect to them.
The toxicity of ecstasy for humans has not been clearly established, but animal studies have shown that chronic high doses of MDMA lead to selective destruction of the terminal buttons of the serotonergic neurons.