Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Binding in Brain of Cannabis Users: Imaging With the Novel Radiotracer [¹¹C]CURB.

ABSTRACT:

Background

One of the major mechanisms for terminating the actions of the endocannabinoid anandamide is hydrolysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and inhibitors of the enzyme were suggested as potential treatment for human cannabis dependence. However, the status of brain FAAH in cannabis use disorder is unknown.

Methods

Brain FAAH binding was measured with positron emission tomography and [¹¹C]CURB in 22 healthy control subjects and ten chronic cannabis users during early abstinence. The FAAH genetic polymorphism (rs324420) and blood, urine, and hair levels of cannabinoids and metabolites were determined.

Results

In cannabis users, FAAH binding was significantly lower by 14%-20% across the brain regions examined than in matched control subjects (ove

SUBMITTER: Boileau I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5050070 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature