Alterations of Benzodiazepine Receptors in Type II Alcoholic Subjects Measured With SPECT and [¹²³I]Iomazenil

Abstract

Benzodiazepine receptor distribution volume is significantly lower in several cortical regions and the cerebellum in alcoholic subjects than in healthy comparison subjects. These results are consistent with previous reports and might indicate either a toxic effect of alcoholism on benzodiazepine receptors or a vulnerability factor for developing alcoholism.