Imaging dopamine transmission in cocaine dependence: link between neurochemistry and response to treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Previous research has shown that dopamine signaling in the limbic striatum is crucial for selecting adaptive, motivated behavior and that disrupted dopamine transmission is associated with impulsive and maladaptive behavior. In humans, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies have shown that cocaine dependence is associated with the dysregulation of striatal dopamine signaling, which is linked to cocaine-seeking behavior. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether this association applies to the treatment setting. The authors hypothesized that dopamine signaling in the limbic striatum would be associated with response to a behavioral treatment that uses positive reinforcement to replace impulsive cocaine use with constructive personal goals.

Met

SUBMITTER: Martinez D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3235735 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature