Observational case-control study (n=18) comparing recreational MDMA users and healthy controls using SPECT with [123I]IBZM to assess dopaminergic function before and after a motorbike-riding computer task.
Investigators compared chronic recreational MDMA (ecstasy) users with healthy control subjects to assess whether ecstasy use is associated with deficient dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Participants underwent SPECT imaging with [123I]IBZM (a D2 receptor radiotracer) at baseline and after performing a motorbike-riding computer game to measure dopamine release and D2 binding.
Preliminary findings showed lower baseline D2 measures and reduced displacement of [123I]IBZM by endogenous dopamine in ecstasy users compared with controls, while task performance (reaction time) did not differ.
Chronic/ex-users of ecstasy (MDMA).
Healthy control subjects matched for study procedures.