Erowid MDMA Bibliography (Jan 2001)

Donate $150+ and get an art glass molecule.

(Pick caffeine, DMT, dopamine, ethanol, harmine, MDMA,
mescaline, serotonin, tryptamine, nitrous, THC, or psilocybin)

MDMA Bibliography
A Categorized Collection of Relevant Papers
by Erowid.org
Compiled Jan 2001

In 2001, MAPS & Erowid completed the first version of a comprehensive collection of over 1,000
scholarly articles published about MDMA. It is available in the Erowid References Vault.

In light of this, the list below is no longer updated; it covers studies up till 2001.

Neurotoxicity

Overviews
Human Studies
Animal Studies
Hyperthermia

Neuroprotection

Antioxidants
SSRIs
Other

Memory & Cognitive Effects

Human Studies
Animal Studies

Pregnancy & Birth Defects

Overviews
Human Studies
Animal Studies

General Pharmacology

General Health

Teeth
Fatalities

Psychotherapy & Therapeutic Uses

1. NEUROTOXICITY

See MDMA Neurotoxicity Vault for current discussion.

OVERVIEWS
Is MDMA (`Ecstasy') Neurotoxic in Humans? An Overview of Evidence and of Methodological Problems in Research,: Curran HV; Neuropsychobiology, 2000; 42:34-41; [View Reference]
Is MDMA a Human Neurotoxin? Diverse Views from the Discussants,: Turner JJD, Parrott AC; Neuropsychobiology, 2000; 42:42-48; [View Reference]
HUMAN STUDIES
Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA ('Ecstasy') on brain serotonin neurons in human beings,: McCann UD, Szabo Z, Scheffel U, Dannals RF, Ricaurte GA; Lancet, 1998; 352(9138):1433-7; [View Reference]
Reduced in vivo binding to the serotonin transporter in the cerebral cortex of MDMA ('ecstasy') users,: Semple DM, Ebmeier KP, Glabus MF, O'Carroll RE, Johnstone EC; Br J Psychiatry, 1999; 175:63-9; [View Reference]
Serotonin neurotoxicity after (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy'): a controlled study in humans,: McCann UD, Ridenour A, Shaham Y, Ricaurte GA; Neuropsychopharmacology, 1994; 10(2):129-38; [View Reference]
Aminergic metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid of humans previously exposed to MDMA: preliminary observations,: Ricaurte GA, Finnegan KT, Irwin I, Langston JW; Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1990; 600:699-708; discussion 708-10; [View Reference]
Ecstasy—long-term effects on the human central nervous system revealed by positron emission tomography,: Obrocki J, Buchert R, Vaterlein O, Thomasius R, Beyer W, Schiemann T; Br J Psychiatry, 1999; 175:186-8; [View Reference]
Cognitive performance in (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') users: a controlled study,: McCann UD, Mertl M, Eligulashvili V, Ricaurte GA; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1999; 143(4):417-25; [View Reference]
Monoamine metabolites in the cerebralspinal fluid of recreational users of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy'),: Peroutka SJ, Pascoe N, Faull KF; Research Comm in Subs Abuse, 1987; 8(3-4):125-138; [View Reference]
ANIMAL STUDIES
Altered serotonin innervation patterns in the forebrain of monkeys treated with (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine seven years previously: factors influencing abnormal recovery,: Hatzidimitriou G, McCann UD, Ricaurte GA; J Neurosci, 1999; 19(12):5096-107; [View Reference]
Reorganization of ascending 5-HT axon projections in animals previously exposed to the recreational drug (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'),: Fischer C, Hatzidimitriou G, Wlos J, Katz J, Ricaurte GA; J Neurosci, 1995; 15(8):5476-85; [View Reference]
(+/-)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine selectively damages central serotonergic neurons in nonhuman primates,: Ricaurte GA, Forno LS, Wilson MA, DeLanney LE, Irwin I, Molliver ME, Langston JW; JAMA, 1988; 260(1):51-5; [View Reference]
MDMA-induced neurotoxicity: parameters of degeneration and recovery of brain serotonin neurons,: Battaglia G, Yeh SY, de Souza EB; Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1988; 29(2):269-74; [View Reference]
Biochemical and histological evidence that methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) is toxic to neurons in the rat brain,: Commins DL, Vosmer G, Virus RM, Woolverton WL, Schuster CR, Seiden LS; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1987; 241(1):338-45; [View Reference]
Evidence that both intragastric and subcutaneous administration of methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) produce serotonin neurotoxicity in rhesus monkeys,: Kleven MS, Woolverton WL, Seiden LS; Brain Res, 1989; 488(1-2):121-5; [View Reference]
The relationship between the degree of neurodegeneration of rat brain 5-HT nerve terminals and the dose and frequency of administration of MDMA ('ecstasy'),: O'Shea E, Granados R, Esteban B, Colado MI, Green AR; Neuropharmacology, 1998; 37(7):919-26; [View Reference]
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced serotonin deficits are followed by partial recovery over a 52-week period. Part I & Part II,: Sabol KE, Lew R, Richards JB, Vosmer GL, Seiden LS; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1996; 276(2):846-54, 855-65; [View Reference]
A neurotoxic regimen of MDMA suppresses behavioral, thermal and neurochemical responses to subsequent MDMA administration,: Shankaran M, Gudelsky GA; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1999; 147(1):66-72; [View Reference]
HYPERTHERMIA
Small Changes in Ambient Temperature Cause Large Changes in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity and Core Body Temperature in the Rat,: Malberg JE, Seiden LS; J Neurosci, 1998 Jul 1; 18(13):5086-94; [View Reference]
Age-dependent sensitivity of rats to the long-term effects of the serotonergic neurotoxicant (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) correlates with the magnitude of the MDMA-induced thermal response,: Broening HW, Bowyer JF, Slikker W Jr; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1995; 275(1):325-33; [View Reference]
5-HT loss in rat brain following 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), p-chloroamphetamine and fenfluramine administration and effects of chlormethiazole and dizocilpine,: Colado MI, Murray TK, Green AR; Br J Pharmacol, 1993; 108(3):583-9; [View Reference]
The spin trap reagent alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone prevents 'ecstasy'-induced neurodegeneration of 5-hydroxytryptamine neurones,: Colado MI, Green AR; Eur J Pharmacol, 1995; 280(3):343-6; [View Reference]

2. NEUROPROTECTION

ANTIOXIDANTS
Alpha-lipoic acid prevents 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity,: Aguirre N, Barrionuevo M, Ramirez MJ, Del Rio J, Lasheras B; Neuroreport, 1999 Nov 26;10(17):3675-80; [View Reference]
Effect of ascorbate and cysteine on the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced depletion of brain serotonin,: Gudelsky GA; J Neural Transm, 1996;103(12):1397-404; [View Reference]
Neurotoxicity of MDMA: neurochemical effects,: Schmidt, C. J. and J. H. Kehne; Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1990; 600:665-80; discussion 680-1; [View Reference]
SSRIs
MDMA-induced neurotoxicity: parameters of degeneration and recovery of brain serotonin neurons,: Battaglia G, Yeh SY, de Souza EB; Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1988; 29(2):269-74; [View Reference]
Acute Psychological Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy') are Attenuated by the Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor Citalopram,: Liechti ME, Baumann C, Gamma A, Vollenweider FX; Neuropsychopharmacology, 2000; 22(5); [View Reference]
The serotonin uptake inhibitor citalopram reduces acute cardiovascular and vegetative effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy') in healthy volunteers,: Liechti ME, Vollenweider FX; J Psychopharmacol, 2000;14(3):269-74; [View Reference]
Neurotoxicity of the psychedelic amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine,: Schmidt, C. J.; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1987; 240(1):1-7; [View Reference]
Reversal of the acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine by 5-HT uptake inhibitors,: Schmidt, C. J. and V. L. Taylor; Eur J Pharmacol, 1990; 181(1-2):133-6; [View Reference]
Involvement of the serotonin transporter in the formation of hydroxyl radicals induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,: Shankaran M, Yamamoto BK, Gudelsky GA; Eur J Pharmacol, 1999 Dec 3;385(2-3):103-10; [View Reference]
Effects of "Ecstasy" blocked by serotonin reuptake inhibitors,: Stein DJ, Rink J; J Clin Psychiatry, 1999 Jul;60(7):485; [View Reference]
OTHER
CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) transgenic mice show resistance to the lethal effects of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA),: Cadet JL, Ladenheim B, Baum I, Carlson E, Epstein C; Brain Res, 1994; 655(1-2):259-62; [View Reference]
Superoxide radicals mediate the biochemical effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): evidence from using CuZn-superoxide dismutase transgenic mice,: Cadet JL, Ladenheim B, Hirata H, Rothman RB, Ali S, Carlson E, Epstein C, Moran TH; Synapse, 1995; 21(2):169-76; [View Reference]
Overexpression of human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase in transgenic mice attenuates oxidative stress caused by methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy),: Jayanthi S, Ladenheim B, Andrews AM, Cadet JL; Neuroscience, 1999;91(4):1379-87; [View Reference]
In vitro reactivation of rat cortical tryptophan hydroxylase following in vivo inactivation by methylenedioxymethamphetamine,: Stone DM, Hanson GR, Gibb JW; J Neurochem, 1989; 53(2):572-81; [View Reference]
Acute inactivation of tryptophan hydroxylase by amphetamine analogs involves the oxidation of sulfhydryl sites,: Stone DM, Johnson M, Hanson GR, Gibb JW; Eur J Pharmacol, 1989; 172(1):93-7; [View Reference]

3. MEMORY & COGNITIVE EFFECTS

OVERVIEWS
Does Ecstasy cause memory deficits? A review of studies of memory function in Ecstasy users,: Gamma A; MAPS Bulletin, 2000 Nov 21; 10(2); [View Reference]
Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of its possible persistent psychological effects,: Morgan MJ; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2000 Oct;152(3):230-48; [View Reference]
HUMAN STUDIES
Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA),: Gouzoulis-Mayfrank E, Daumann J, Tuchtenhagen F, Pelz S, Becker S, Kunert HJ, Fimm B, Sass H; J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 2000; 68:719-725; [View Reference]
Memory disturbances in 'Ecstasy' users are correlated with an altered brain serotonin neurotransmission,: Reneman L, Booij J, Schmand B, van den Brink W, Gunning B; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2000; 148(3):322-4; [View Reference]
Cognitive performance in (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') users: a controlled study,: McCann UD, Mertl M, Eligulashvili V, Ricaurte GA; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1999 Apr; 143(4):417-25; [View Reference]
Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA of 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits,: Parrott AC, Lees A, Garnham NJ, Jones M, Wesnes K; J Psychopharmacol (Oxf), 1998; 12(1):79-83; [View Reference]
Working memory deficits in current and previous users of MDMA ('ecstasy'),: Wareing M, Fisk JE, Murphy PN; Br J Psychol, 2000; 91:181-188; [View Reference]
Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ('Ecstasy') users,: Bolla KI, McCann UD, Ricaurte GA; Neurology, 1998; 51(6):1532-7; [View Reference]
Memory deficits associated with recreational use of 'ecstasy' (MDMA),: Morgan MJ; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1999; 141(1):30-6; [View Reference]
Cognitive performance amongst recreational users of 'ecstasy',: Rodgers J; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2000; 151(1):19-24; [View Reference]
Toxic effect of MDMA on brain serotonin neurons,: Klugman A, Hardy S, Baldeweg T, Gruzelier J; Lancet, 1999; 353(9160):1269-70; discussion 1270-1; [View Reference]
Reduced in vivo binding to the serotonin transporter in the cerebral cortex of MDMA ('ecstasy') users,: Semple DM, Ebmeier KP, Glabus MF, O'Carroll RE, Johnstone EC; Br J Psychiatry, 1999; 175:63-9; [View Reference]
Chronic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use: effects on mood and neuropsychological function?,: Krystal JH, Price LH, Opsahl C, Ricaurte GA, Heninger GR; Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse, 1992; 18(3):331-41; [View Reference]
MDMA ('ecstasy') consumption in the context of polydrug abuse: a report on 150 patients,: Schifano F, Di Furia L, Forza G, Minicuci N, Bricolo R; Drug Alcohol Depend, 1998; 52(1):85-90; [View Reference]
Ecstasy (MDMA) effects upon mood and cognition: before, during and after a Saturday night dance,: Parrott AC, Lasky J; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1998; 139(3):261-8; [View Reference]
ANIMAL STUDIES
Behavioural analysis of the acute and chronic effects of MDMA treatment in the rat,: Marston HM, Reid ME, Lawrence JA, Olverman HJ, Butcher SP; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 1999 May;144(1):67-76; [View Reference]
Effects of cortical serotonin depletion by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on behavior, before and after additional cholinergic blockade,: Robinson TE, Castenada E, Wishaw IQ; Neuropsychopharmacology, 1993;8(1):77-85; [View Reference]

4. PREGNANCY & BIRTH DEFECTS

HUMAN STUDIES
Does prenatal exposure to ecstasy cause congenital malformations? A prospective follow-up of 92 pregnancies,: McElhatton PR, Bateman DN, Evans C, Pughe KR, Thomas SHL; Br J Clin Pharmacology, 1998; 45:184; [View Reference]
Congenital anomalies after prenatal ecstasy exposure,: McElhatton PR, Bateman DN, Evans C, Pughe KR, Thomas SHL; Lancet, 1999; 354(9188):1441-2; [View Reference]
Prenatal exposure to amphetamines. Risks and adverse outcomes in pregnancy,: Plessinger MA; Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 1998; 25(1):119-38; [View Reference]
Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu [Pregnancy Outcome after Ecstasy Use],: van Tonningen-van Driel MM, Garbis-Berkvens JM, Reuvers-Lodewijks WE; Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde, 1999; 143(1):27-31; [View Reference]
ANIMAL STUDIES
The role of dopaminergic systems in the perinatal sensitivity to 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in rats,: Aguirre N, Barrionuevo M, Lasheras B, Del Rio J; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1998; 286(3):1159-65; [View Reference]
Behavioral and developmental effects of two 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) derivatives,: Bronson ME, Barrios-Zambrano L, Jiang W, Clark CR, DeRuiter J, Newland MC; Drug Alcohol Depend, 1994; 36(3):161-6; [View Reference]
A study of the neurotoxic effect of MDMA ('ecstasy') on 5-HT neurones in the brains of mothers and neonates following administration of the drug during pregnancy,: Colado MI, O'Shea E, Granados R, Misra A, Murray TK, Green AR; Br J Pharmacol, 1997; 121(4):827-33; [View Reference]
Behavioral and neurochemical effects of prenatal methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) exposure in rats,: St Omer VE, Ali SF, Holson RR, Duhart HM, Scalzo FM, Slikker W.; Neurotoxicol Teratol, 1991; 13(1):13-20; [View Reference]
Serotonergic modulation of rat pup ultrasonic vocal development: studies with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,: Winslow JT, Insel TR; J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1990; 254(1):212-20; [View Reference]

5. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans,: Steele TD, McCann UD, Ricaurte GA; Addiction, 1994; 89(5):539-51; [View Reference]
The molecular mechanism of 'ecstasy' [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)]: Serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release,: Rudnick G, Wall SC; Proc Natl Acad Sci, 1992; 89:1817-1821; [View Reference]
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) analogues exhibit differential effects on synaptosomal release of 3H-dopamine and 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine,: McKenna DJ, Guan XM, Shulgin AT; Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1991; 38(3):505-12; [View Reference]
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced inhibition of neuronal firing in the nucleus accumbens is mediated by both serotonin and dopamine,: Obradovic T, Imel KM, White SR; Neuroscience, 1996; 74(2):469-81; [View Reference]
Ecstasy: towards an understanding of the biochemical basis of the actions of MDMA,: Rattray M; Essays Biochem, 1991; 26:77-87; [View Reference]

6. GENERAL HEALTH

TEETH
The occurrence of toothwear in users of Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine),: Milosevic A, Agrawal N, Redfearn PJ, Mair LH; Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1999 Aug; 27(4):283-287; [View Reference]
An association between the regular use of 3,4 methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (ecstasy) and excessive wear of the teeth,: Redfearn PJ, Agrawal N, Mair LH; Addiction, 1998; 93(5):745-8; [View Reference]
FATALITIES
Amphetamine derivative fatalities in South Australia—is "Ecstasy" the culprit?,: Byard RW, Gilbert J, James R, Lokan RJ; Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 1998 Sep; 19(3):261-5; [View Reference]
Ecstasy, 3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a fatality associated with coagulopathy and hyperthermia,: Chadwick IS, Curry PD, Linsley A, Freemont AJ, Doran B; J R Soc Med, 1991; 84(6):371; [View Reference]
A fatal overdose with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine derivatives,: Forrest ARW, Galloway JH, Marsh ID, Strachan GA, Clark JC; Forensic Sci Int, 1994 Jan; 64(1):57-9; [View Reference]
Toxicity and deaths from 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy"),: Henry JA, Jeffreys KJ, Dawling S; Lancet, 1992 Aug 15; 340(8816):384-7; [View Reference]
Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse,: Milroy CM, Clark JC, Forrest ARW; J Clin Pathol, 1996; 49(2):149-53; [View Reference]
Five MDMA Related Deaths,: Graeme P. Dowling, MD; Edward T. McDonough III, MD; Robert O. Bost, PhD; JAMA, Mar 27, 1987; 257: 1615-1617; [Full Text]

7. PSYCHOTHERAPY & THERAPEUTIC USES

MDMA Psychotherapy: an Annotated Bibliography,: Stuart R; Master's Thesis Project, 2000 Oct; John F. Kennedy Univ.; /chemicals/mdma/mdma_journal2.shtml; [Full Text]
The Therapeutic Use of MDMA,: Greer GR, Tolbert R; Ecstasy: The clinical, pharmacological and neurotoxicological effects of the drug MDMA, 1990; S. J. Peroutka Boston, Kluver Academic Publishers:21-36; [Full Text]
Can drugs be used to enhance the psychotherapeutic process?,: Grinspoon L, Bakalar JB; Am J Psychother, 1986; 40(3):393-404; [Full Text]
Phenomenology and sequelae of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine use,: Liester MB, Grob CS, Bravo GL, Walsh RN; J Nerv Ment Dis, 1992; 180(6):345-52; discussion 353-4; [Full Text]
The new psychotherapy: MDMA and the shadow,: Shulgin A; Eleusis, 1995; 3:3-11; [Full Text]
Is there a case for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the UK? (Editorial),: B Sessa; J Psychopharmacol. 2007;21(2):220-4.; [Full Text]
MDMA, politics and medical research: have we thrown the baby out with the bathwater? (Editorial),: B Sessa, DJ Nutt; J Psychopharmacol. 2007;21(8):787-91.; [Full Text]