Brain-derived neurotrophic factor protects serotonergic neurons against 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy") induced cytoskeletal damage.

ABSTRACT: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") use has been linked to persistent alterations of the brain serotonergic (5-HT) system in animal and human studies, but the molecular underpinnings are still unclear. Cytoskeletal structures such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) are promising markers of drug-induced brain toxicity and may be involved in MDMA neurotoxicity. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the growth and sprouting of 5-HT neurons and its differential response to MDMA administration was suggested to mediate dose- and region-dependent 5-HT damage by MDMA. However, the role of BDNF pre-treatment in preventing MDMA neurotoxicity and the potential effects of MDMA on NfL are still elusive. Therefore, a differentiated 5-HT neuronal cell line obtained from ra

SUBMITTER: Bavato F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9188522 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature