Effect of acamprosate on magnetic resonance spectroscopy measures of central glutamate in detoxified alcohol-dependent individuals: a randomized controlled experimental medicine study.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Acamprosate is approved for the treatment of alcoholism, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Results of animal studies suggest that a persistent hyperglutamatergic state contributes to the pathogenesis of alcoholism and that acamprosate may exert its actions by intervening in this process. Human translation of these findings is lacking.

Objective

To examine whether acamprosate modulates indices of central glutamate levels in recently abstinent alcohol-dependent patients as measured using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS).

Design

A 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled experimental medicine study, with ¹H-MRS measures obtained on days 4 and 25.

Setting

An inpatient research unit at the NIH Clinical

SUBMITTER: Umhau JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3583213 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature