Background
The effect of self-administered cocaine on extracellular dopamine (DA) levels has
not been measured in humans.
Methods
Ten nondependent cocaine users underwent positron emission tomography [11C]raclopride scans following intranasal self-administration of cocaine hydrochloride
(1.0 mg/kg) and placebo powder.
Results
Compared with placebo, intranasal cocaine self-administration decreased [11C]raclopride binding values in the ventral limbic striatum and putamen. Individual
differences in the magnitude of the [11C]raclopride response in the ventral striatum were predicted by lifetime histories
of stimulant drug use.
Conclusions
The results suggest that 1) intranasal cocaine self-administration increases synaptic
DA levels in human striatum and 2) prior use of stimulant drugs on the street is associated
with progressively greater cocaine-induced DA responses. These dopaminergic effects
might influence susceptibility to drug–seeking behavior and the progression to substance
abuse.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 02, 2009
Accepted:
January 18,
2009
Received in revised form:
January 15,
2009
Received:
December 2,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
