NEUROENDOCRINE AND CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF MDE IN HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS

The drug 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine ([MDE] also known as ''Eve'' ) is a less toxic analog of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also kn own as ''Ecstasy'') with similar psychotropic effects in humans. In a double-blind placebo-controlled, cross-over study we administered 140 mg of MDE or placebo orally to eight healthy male volunteers at 1:30 P .M. Serum cortisol, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) levels, a s well as blood pressure, and heart rate were measured every 20 minute s until 5:00 P.M. Administration Of MDE was followed by statistically significant long-lasting increases of serum cortisol, PRL, systolic bl ood pressure, and heart rate, and by a trend toward blunting of GH sec retion. The neuroendocrine and cardiovascular effects of MDE are compa rable to those of other phenethylamines with the exception of the effe ct on GH secretion.