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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging eigenvalues: preliminary evidence for altered myelin in cocaine dependence.
F Gerard Moeller1, Khader M Hasan, Joel L Steinberg
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, 1300 Moursund, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Frederick.g.moeller@uth.tmc.edu
Psychiatry Research
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Cocaine dependence may alter myelin in the corpus callosum, indicated by increased diffusion perpendicular to nerve fibers (lambda(T)) in the anterior brain region. This finding suggests potential white matter changes in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is observed in cocaine-dependent individuals.
- FA changes can result from axonal damage or neuronal loss, necessitating further investigation into underlying pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diffusion tensor eigenvalues (lambda(1) and lambda(T)) in the corpus callosum of cocaine-dependent subjects compared to controls.
- To explore the relationship between diffusion metrics and potential white matter alterations in cocaine dependence.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was performed on 13 cocaine-dependent subjects and 18 healthy controls.
- Analysis focused on diffusion tensor eigenvalues (lambda(1) and lambda(T)) within different regions of the corpus callosum.
Main Results:
- A significant group by region interaction was found for lambda(T) in the corpus callosum.
- Cocaine-dependent subjects exhibited higher lambda(T) in the genu of the anterior corpus callosum compared to controls.
- No significant group by region interaction was observed for lambda(1).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest altered myelin integrity in the corpus callosum of cocaine-dependent individuals.
- Increased lambda(T) is consistent with myelin alterations, as supported by prior research linking such changes to increased diffusion perpendicular to fiber tracts.
