Washington, Nov 28: A breakthrough study by researchers at University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has shown for the first time that even a small amount of ecstasy can be harmful to the brain.
The researchers presented their findings about the neurotoxical effects of the recreational drug in new ecstasy users, at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
"We found a decrease in blood circulation in some areas of the brain in young adults who just started to use ecstasy," said Dr. Maartje de Win, radiology resident at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam.
"In addition, we found a relative decrease in verbal memory performance in ecstasy users compared to non-users," he added.
Several previous studies have shown that the long-term or heavy use of this drug can damage serotonergic neurons in the brain, thereby causing depression, anxiety, confusion, difficulty sleeping and decrease in memory. However, none of the studies have looked at the effects of low doses of the drug on first-time users.
Dr. de Win and colleagues examined 188 volunteers with no history of ecstasy use but at high-risk for first-time ecstasy use in the near future. The examinations included neuroimaging techniques to measure the integrity of cells and blood flow in different areas of the brain, and various psychological tests.
After 18 months, 59 first-time ecstasy users and 56 non-users were re-examined with the same techniques and tests.
The researchers found that though low doses of ecstasy did not severely damage the serotonergic neurons or affect mood, there were indications of subtle changes in cell architecture and decreased blood flow in some brain regions.
The researchers also saw a decrease in verbal memory performance among low-dose ecstasy users compared to non-users.
"We do not know if these effects are transient or permanent. Therefore, we cannot conclude that ecstasy, even in small doses, is safe for the brain, and people should be informed of this risk," Dr. de Win said. (ANI)