Imaging Brain Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in Untreated Patients With Psychosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The brain's endocannabinoid system, the primary target of cannabis, has been implicated in psychosis. The endocannabinoid anandamide is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) controls brain anandamide levels; however, it is unknown if FAAH is altered in vivo in psychosis or related to positive psychotic symptoms.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 36 healthy control subjects completed high-resolution positron emission tomography scans with the novel FAAH radioligand [¹¹C]CURB and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Data were analyzed using the validated irreversible 2-tissue compartment model with a metabolite-corrected arterial input function.

Results<

SUBMITTER: Watts JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8240477 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature