Chapter 10 Ibogaine neurotoxicity assessment: Electrophysiological, neurochemical, and neurohistological methods

Abstract

Publisher Summary The chapter presents an assessment of neurotoxicity of ibogaine through electrophysiological, neurochemical, and neurohistological methods. Ibogaine is also reportedly effective in the blockade of morphine self-administration and decreasing the signs of opiate withdrawal. A complex ibogaine interaction with other neurotransmitter receptor sites is suggested to have modulatory effects on the dopamine system. The chemical structure of ibogaine is similar to serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the serotonergic system plays a role in ibogaine actions. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique applied in the assessment of spontaneous electrocerebral activity using either scalp (surface) electrodes, or in the case of the electrocorticogram (ECoG), from electrodes implanted in specific brain regions. Electrophysiological studies suggest that ibogaine stimulates monoaminergic neurons and may lower the threshold for cocaine induced electrographic seizures. Neuropathological studies reveal that ibogaine administered at high doses produces selective neuronal degeneration. It is concluded that ibogaine might have potential utility for the treatment of drug addiction, but may also be neurotoxic at high doses.