Neurotoxicity of methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Evidence has been cited that METH and MDMA cause neurotoxicity to DA and/or 5HT nerve endings in the central nervous system as indicated by a loss of neurotransmitter levels, loss of enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, and loss of the number of monoamine transporters. In addition, evidence has been presented that there are morphological changes indicative of neuronal degeneration during or shortly after drug administration. Evidence has been presented which clearly implicates ambient temperature and core temperature to be involved in the neurotoxicity induced by these two drugs of abuse. Studies examining the effect of ambient temperature on production of free oxygen radicals following MDMA or METH administration are currently in progress.