Deficits in dopamine D2 receptors and pre-synaptic dopamine in heroin dependence: commonalities and differences with other types of addiction

摘要

BackgroundPositron Emission tomography (PET) imaging studies have shown that addiction to a number of substances of abuse is associated with a decrease in dopamine D2/3 receptor binding and decreased pre-synaptic dopamine release in the striatum. Some studies have also shown that these reductions are associated with the severity of addiction. For example, in cocaine dependence, low dopamine release is associated with the choice to self-administer cocaine. The goal of the present study was to investigate these parameters of striatal dopamine transmission in heroin dependence and their association with drug seeking behavior.