Ibogaine induces glial activation in parasagittal zones of the cerebellum. O'Hearn, E., Long, D.B. and Molliver, M.E. Neuroreport 4:299-302, 1993.
Abstract: Ibogaine,
an indole alkaloid, has been proposed for treatment of drug addiction,
yet its mechanism, site of action, and possible neurotoxicity
have not been determined. Since neuronal injury is known to activate
neurologlial cells, we investigated potential neurotoxic effects
of this drug in rats by examining expression of specific glial
markers. After treatment with ibogaine (100 mg kg-1 i.p.; 1-3
doses), we observed increased cytochemical markers in both microglia
(OX-6, OX-42, W3/25) and astrocytes (GFAP), associated with striking
morphologic changes in these cells. Activated glial cells were
restricted to longitudinally oriented, parasagittal stripes within
the vermis of cerebellar cortex. The ibogaine-induced activation
of cerebellar glial cells is highly suggestive of neuronal degeneration,
most likely of Purkinje cells
© 1997The Ibogaine Dossier