Decreased dopamine D₂ receptor availability is associated with reduced frontal metabolism in cocaine abusers

TLDR

Decreased dopaminergic function is thought to underlie cocaine addiction. The study aimed to determine whether dysfunction in dopamine‑subserved brain regions promotes cocaine self‑administration. PET with a dual‑tracer approach was used to assess dopamine D2 receptor availability and regional brain glucose metabolism in cocaine abusers. Cocaine abusers had significantly reduced dopamine D2 receptor availability, persisting 3–4 months after detoxification, and this reduction correlated with decreased frontal metabolism in regions involved in drive and affect, potentially leading to loss of control and compulsive drug‑taking. © 1993 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract Decreased dopaminergic function has been postulated to underlie cocaine addiction. To examine the possibility that dysfunction of brain regions subserved by the dopamine system could promote cocaine self‐administration, positron emission tomography and a dual‐tracer approach was used to examine dopamine D 2 receptor availability and regional brain glucose metabolism in cocaine abusers. When compared to normal controls, cocaine abusers showed significant decreases in dopamine D 2 receptor availability which persisted 3‐4 months after detoxification. Decreases in dopamine D 2 receptor availability were associated with decreased metabolism in several regions of the frontal of these brain areas which are involved in the channeling of drive and affect could lead to loss of control resulting in compulsive drug‐taking behavior. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.