Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2024, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (9): 1908-1918.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971

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Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings

Marcello Serra1, Nicola Simola1, Alexia E. Pollack2, Giulia Costa1, *   

  1. 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; 2Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
  • Online:2024-09-15 Published:2024-01-25
  • Contact: Giulia Costa, PhD, gcosta@unica.it.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by PON AIM (PON RICERCA E INNOVAZIONE 2014-2020, - AZIONE I.2. D.D. N.407 DEL 27 FEBBRAIO 2018 - “ATTRACTION AND INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY”) (to GC); Zardi-Gori Foundation (research grant 2021) (to MS); intramural funds from the University of Cagliari (to NS); Fondazione CON IL SUD and The U.S.-Italy Fulbright Commission (to AEP).

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Abstract: Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.

Key words: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, amphetamine, caffeine, cell cultures, cocaine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, neurotoxicity, nicotine