Dopamine D2 Receptor Availability is Associated with Subjective Responses to Alcohol
KK Yoder, DA Kareken, RA Seyoum… - Alcoholism: Clinical …, 2005 - Wiley Online Library
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2005•Wiley Online Library
Background: The mesolimbic dopaminergic system is thought to mediate alcohol abuse and
dependence. Determining the relationship between in vivo dopamine and the subjective
response to alcohol could improve understanding of the mechanisms that lead to alcohol
abuse and dependence. Here, we examined the relationship between dopamine D2
receptors in the nucleus accumbens and scores of perceived “high” and “intoxication” during
an intravenous (IV) alcohol infusion. Methods: Nine healthy control subjects received …
dependence. Determining the relationship between in vivo dopamine and the subjective
response to alcohol could improve understanding of the mechanisms that lead to alcohol
abuse and dependence. Here, we examined the relationship between dopamine D2
receptors in the nucleus accumbens and scores of perceived “high” and “intoxication” during
an intravenous (IV) alcohol infusion. Methods: Nine healthy control subjects received …
Background
The mesolimbic dopaminergic system is thought to mediate alcohol abuse and dependence. Determining the relationship between in vivo dopamine and the subjective response to alcohol could improve understanding of the mechanisms that lead to alcohol abuse and dependence. Here, we examined the relationship between dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and scores of perceived “high” and “intoxication” during an intravenous (IV) alcohol infusion.
Methods
Nine healthy control subjects received 11Craclopride PET scanning at baseline. Eight subjects received a second 11Craclopride scan during a pharmacodynamically modeled and controlled rise of IV alcohol, followed by steady state (60 mg%± 5 mg%) alcohol infusion. Numerical ratings of “high” and “intoxication” were tested for correlations with measures of dopaminergic function.
Results
Baseline D2 receptor availability in the left nucleus accumbens was significantly correlated with peak perceived “intoxication” (p= 0.02) and marginally correlated with peak perceived “high” (p= 0.07).
Conclusions
Resting D2 receptor availability may predict healthy subject responses to alcohol exposure.
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