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Methamphetamine dependence is linked to brain structure changes in active users, showing enlarged striatal volumes associated with better impulse control. These findings suggest a potential compensatory mechanism in the brain.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Methamphetamine (MA) dependence effects on brain structure, particularly in active users, remain under-investigated.
  • Prior research indicated cortical deficits and striatal volume increases in abstinent MA users.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate structural grey matter (GM) changes in active MA-dependent individuals.
  • To correlate observed brain structural changes with cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

  • Voxel-based morphometry and region of interest volumetric analysis of structural MRI data.
  • Comparison of 17 active MA-dependent participants with 20 control participants (aged 18-46).

Main Results:

  • Significant grey matter volume increases in the right and left putamen and left nucleus accumbens in MA-dependent participants.
  • Right putamen volume gain correlated inversely with errors on the Go/No-go task, indicating improved response inhibition.
  • Cortical GM deficits were observed in the left superior frontal and precentral gyri, but did not reach statistical significance after correction.

Conclusions:

  • Active MA dependence is associated with striatal enlargement, potentially a compensatory response to neurotoxicity.
  • This striatal enlargement correlates with enhanced cognitive performance in response inhibition.
  • Further research is recommended to track these changes during abstinence.