Decreased Cannabinoid CB₁ Receptors in Male Tobacco Smokers Examined With Positron Emission Tomography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies showed reduction of brain cannabinoid CB₁ receptors in adults with cannabis and alcohol use disorders. Preclinical data suggest that these receptors also contribute to nicotine reward and dependence. Tobacco smoking may confound clinical studies of psychiatric disorders because many patients with such disorders smoke tobacco. Whether human subjects who smoke tobacco but are otherwise healthy have altered CB₁ receptor binding in brain is unknown.

Methods

We measured CB₁ receptors in brains of 18 healthy men who smoke tobacco (frequent chronic cigarette smokers), and 28 healthy men who do not smoke tobacco, using positron emission tomography and [¹⁸F]FMPEP-d₂, a radioligand for CB₁ re

SUBMITTER: Hirvonen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6388688 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature