The role of the 5-HT2a receptor in MDMA-induced effects on social cognition and prosocial behaviour

This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=24) investigates the role of the 5-HT2a receptor in MDMA-induced effects on social behaviour.

Conducted by the Maastricht University and supported by NWO, the study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying prosocial behaviour. MDMA, known for inducing emotional empathy, will be administered orally in a capsule form at 75 mg dosage. Ketanserin, another substance, will also be administered at 40 mg dosage.

Treatments include MDMA-75 mg, Ketanserin-40 mg, MDMA-75 mg + Ketanserin-40 mg, and a placebo, each separated by at least 7 days. Blood samples will be collected to determine drug and hormone concentrations.

Participants, aged between 18-35 years, must have used MDMA/Ecstasy at least three times and at most 200 times, with at least one use in the past year. The study design involves a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design with four treatment conditions. Recruitment for the study is pending as of February 2024, with an anticipated start date of 30-01-2013.

Topic Healthy Subjects
Compound MDMA Placebo
Country Netherlands
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published Yes
Start date 23 January 2013
End date 01 January 2015
Phase Not Applicable
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 24
Sex All
Age 18- 35
Therapy No

Trial Details

This double-blind trial (n=24) by Universiteit Maastricht investigates how MDMA affects social behaviour through the 5-HT2a receptor. Participants, aged 18-35, with MDMA/Ecstasy use experience, will receive MDMA, Ketanserin, or placebos. The study employs a crossover design with four treatment conditions. Recruitment is pending as of February 2024.

NCT Number NL42465.068.12

Sponsors & Collaborators

Maastricht University
Maastricht University is host to the psychopharmacology department (Psychopharmacology in Maastricht) where various researchers are investigating the effects of psychedelics.

Papers

MDMA-induced indifference to negative sounds is mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor
This placebo-controlled study (n=20) found that individuals under the acute influence of MDMA (75mg) were less sensitive to negative sounds. The authors also found evidence that this may be related to the 5-HT2A receptor.

Data attribution

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