Neuroendocrine abnormalities in recreational ecstasy (MDMA) users: is it ecstasy or cannabis?
by
Gouzoulis-Mayfrank E, Becker S,
Pelz S, Tuchtenhagen F, Daumann J.
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,
Medical Faculty of the University of Technology (RWTH),
Aachen, Germany
Biol Psychiatry 2002 May 1;51(9):766-9

ABSTRACT

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.

History
MDMA/MDE
Controversies
Oxidative stress
Protect and survive
MDMA and immunity
MDMA v fenfluramine
Ecstasy and cannabis
Cutaneous vasoconstriction
Memory: Ecstasy v cannabis
Arginine-vasopressin release
Ecstasy and serotonin synthesis
Serotonin, noradrenline and dopamine
MDMA/polydrug users in the UK and Italy

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family