Genetic Factors in Human MDMA Toxicity

Study Name:

Genetic Factors in Human MDMA Toxicity

The purpose of this study is to see how genotype (genetic factors) affects brain structure in people who have or have not used the recreational drug Ecstasy (also known as MDMA). In this study we will be looking at the brain structures of people who have used MDMA and compare it to the brains of people who have not used MDMA. To look at the brain, we will use imaging techniques and a radiolabeled substance to see specific serotonin receptors in the brain called 5-HT2A.

To help us protect the privacy of our participants, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify participants, even by a court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings.

The study doctor, Dr. Cowan and his research team get money from the National Institute on Drug Addiction for this study to pay a portion of their salary and to pay for research costs.

Inclusion Criteria:

Caucasian females; ages 18-25; physically healthy; regular menstrual cycles. We are recruiting two groups of women. One group will have used Ecstasy (MDMA) and one will have not.

MDMA Using Group:

MDMA use on at least 25 occasions with last use of MDMA (and cocaine, LSD and other amphetamines) at least 3 months prior to enrollment in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnancy, general medical illness, endocrine abnormalities, use of implanted or injected forms of birth control, some medications, drug or alcohol dependence, psychiatric illness, nicotine use. Study participants will undergo a thorough screening before entrance into the study.

If interested, please contact Gavin Lillevig at 615-936-1013 or by email at james.g.lillevig@vanderbilt.edu

Directions to the Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program

Coming from the south:

Take I-65 north

Take Exit 81, Wedgewood Ave.

Turn left off the Exit 81 ramp onto Wedgewood

Go approximately 1.5 miles and turn right on 23rd Ave. South. There is not a stoplight at this intersection.

Take an immediate left into the parking lot of the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.

You may park in the parking lot for the building but make sure you acquire a parking permit from the receptionist on the 1st floor.

Take the elevator tower (across from the lobby) to the third floor. Take a left out of the elevator and go down the hall for the entire length of the building. Here, you will reach a split in the hallway by a second set of elevators. Go left and enter through the door on the right marked "Psychiatric Neuroimagining Program" in Suite 3057.






	Return to Study Information Page Study Name: Genetic Factors in Human MDMA Toxicity The purpose of this study is to see how genotype (genetic factors) affects brain structure in people who have or have not used the recreational drug Ecstasy (also known as MDMA). In this study we will be looking at the brain structures of people who have used MDMA and compare it to the brains of people who have not used MDMA. To look at the brain, we will use imaging techniques and a radiolabeled substance to see specific serotonin receptors in the brain called 5-HT2A. To help us protect the privacy of our participants, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify participants, even by a court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. The study doctor, Dr. Cowan and his research team get money from the National Institute on Drug Addiction for this study to pay a portion of their salary and to pay for research costs. Inclusion Criteria: Caucasian females; ages 18-25; physically healthy; regular menstrual cycles. We are recruiting two groups of women. One group will have used Ecstasy (MDMA) and one will have not. MDMA Using Group: MDMA use on at least 25 occasions with last use of MDMA (and cocaine, LSD and other amphetamines) at least 3 months prior to enrollment in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy, general medical illness, endocrine abnormalities, use of implanted or injected forms of birth control, some medications, drug or alcohol dependence, psychiatric illness, nicotine use. Study participants will undergo a thorough screening before entrance into the study. If interested, please contact Gavin Lillevig at 615-936-1013 or by email at james.g.lillevig@vanderbilt.edu Directions to the Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program Coming from the south: Take I-65 north Take Exit 81, Wedgewood Ave. Turn left off the Exit 81 ramp onto Wedgewood Go approximately 1.5 miles and turn right on 23rd Ave. South. There is not a stoplight at this intersection. Take an immediate left into the parking lot of the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. You may park in the parking lot for the building but make sure you acquire a parking permit from the receptionist on the 1st floor. Take the elevator tower (across from the lobby) to the third floor. Take a left out of the elevator and go down the hall for the entire length of the building. Here, you will reach a split in the hallway by a second set of elevators. Go left and enter through the door on the right marked "Psychiatric Neuroimagining Program" in Suite 3057.