SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER CONCENTRATION IS DECREASED IN CEREBRAL CORTEX BUT NOT IN STRIATUM OF CHRONIC MDMA (ECSTASY) USERS

Conclusion Our imaging data suggest that cerebral cortical SERT concentration is below normal in some ecstasy users for at least one month after last use of the drug. However, it remains to be established whether low SERT might have preceded drug use, reflects actual loss of brain serotonin neurones, or is causally related to any functional impairment in the ecstasy users. (Supported by US NIH NIDA DA017301).