INTRODUCTION: Although the mesolimbic dopaminergic system has been shown to play a role in reinforcing tobacco smoking, results of imaging studies that examine the relationship between tobacco smoking and the central dopamine system remain discrepant. To delineate the role of tobacco addiction in central pre- and post-synaptic dopaminergic activities, we analyzed the central D2-family receptors, the dopamine transporters (DAT), and degrees of dependence in male smokers. METHODS: Eleven male smokers and 11 healthy non-smokers were recruited. The striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability was approximated using SPECT and [123 I] IBZM while the DAT availability was approximated using SPECT and [99m Tc] TRODAT-1. All of the smokers completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and other related questionnaires. RESULTS: A decrease in DAT availability in the striatum of male smokers is noted (p<05). However, the striatal D2/D3 receptor availability in male smokers does not differ from that of non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that cigarette smoking may alter central dopamine functions in males, particularly at the pre-synaptic sites.
INTRODUCTION: Although the mesolimbic dopaminergic system has been shown to play a role in reinforcing tobacco smoking, results of imaging studies that examine the relationship between tobacco smoking and the central dopamine system remain discrepant. To delineate the role of tobacco addiction in central pre- and post-synaptic dopaminergic activities, we analyzed the central D2-family receptors, the dopamine transporters (DAT), and degrees of dependence in male smokers. METHODS: Eleven male smokers and 11 healthy non-smokers were recruited. The striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability was approximated using SPECT and [123 I] IBZM while the DAT availability was approximated using SPECT and [99m Tc] TRODAT-1. All of the smokers completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and other related questionnaires. RESULTS: A decrease in DAT availability in the striatum of male smokers is noted (p<05). However, the striatal D2/D3 receptor availability in male smokers does not differ from that of non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that cigarette smoking may alter central dopamine functions in males, particularly at the pre-synaptic sites.
Authors: Amira K Brown; Mark A Mandelkern; Judah Farahi; Chelsea Robertson; Dara G Ghahremani; Brittany Sumerel; Nathasha Moallem; Edythe D London Journal: Int J Neuropsychopharmacol Date: 2012-01-16 Impact factor: 5.176
Authors: Pei Chun Hsieh; Tzung Lieh Yeh; I Hui Lee; Hui Chun Huang; Po See Chen; Yen Kuang Yang; Nan Tsing Chiu; Ru Band Lu; Mei-Hsiu Liao Journal: J Psychiatry Neurosci Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 6.186