Background
Reinforcement of behavioral responses involves a complex cerebral circuit engaging
specific neuronal networks that are modulated by cortical oversight systems affiliated
with emotion, memory, judgment, and decision making (collectively referred to in this
study as the “extended reward and oversight system” or “reward network”). We examined
whether reward-network brain volumes are reduced in alcoholics and how volumes of
subcomponents within this system are correlated with memory and drinking history.
Methods
Morphometric analysis was performed on magnetic resonance brain scans in 21 abstinent
long-term chronic alcoholic men and 21 healthy control men, group-matched on age,
verbal IQ, and education. We derived volumes of total brain and volumes of cortical
and subcortical reward-related structures including the dorsolateral-prefrontal, orbitofrontal,
cingulate cortices, and the insula, as well as the amygdala, hippocampus, nucleus
accumbens septi (NAc), and ventral diencephalon.
Results
Morphometric analyses of reward-related regions revealed decreased total reward-network
volume in alcoholic subjects. Volume reduction was most pronounced in right dorsolateral-prefrontal
cortex, right anterior insula, and right NAc, as well as left amygdala. In alcoholics,
NAc and anterior insula volumes increased with length of abstinence, and total reward-network
and amygdala volumes correlated positively with memory scores.
Conclusions
The observation of decreased reward-network volume suggests that alcoholism is associated
with alterations in this neural reward system. These structural reward system deficits
and their correlation with memory scores elucidate underlying structural-functional
relationships between alcoholism and emotional and cognitive processes.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 31, 2008
Accepted:
January 16,
2008
Received in revised form:
December 26,
2007
Received:
June 15,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
