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Dopamine D 2 Receptor Availability is Associated with Subjective Responses to Alcohol
Author(s) -
Yoder Karmen K.,
Kareken David A.,
Seyoum Regat A.,
O’Connor Sean J.,
Wang Chunzhi,
Zheng QiHuang,
Mock Bruce,
Morris Evan D.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1097/01.alc.0000171041.32716.42
Subject(s) - raclopride , nucleus accumbens , dopaminergic , dopamine , alcohol , psychology , dopamine receptor d2 , alcohol dependence , medicine , anesthesia , endocrinology , neuroscience , chemistry , biochemistry
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 D 2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and scores of perceived “high” and “intoxication” during an intravenous (IV) alcohol infusion. Methods: Nine healthy control subjects received 11 Craclopride PET scanning at baseline. Eight subjects received a second 11 Craclopride 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 D 2 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 D 2 receptor availability may predict healthy subject responses to alcohol exposure.