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Eye movements in cocaine abusers.

J L Demer1, N D Volkow, I Ulrich

  • 1Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1771.

Psychiatry Research
|August 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
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Cocaine abuse is linked to lower brain norepinephrine metabolite levels. While some eye movement functions are normal, cocaine abusers show reduced visual-vestibulo-ocular reflex gain enhancement, suggesting norepinephrine may not be crucial for human VOR plasticity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurochemistry

Background:

  • Cocaine abuse affects neurotransmitter systems, including norepinephrine.
  • Norepinephrine is implicated in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) plasticity in animal models.
  • Understanding these effects on human eye movements is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively investigate eye movements in heavy cocaine abusers.
  • To examine the relationship between MHPG levels and VOR function.
  • To assess the role of norepinephrine in human VOR plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Electro-oculography was used to record eye movements.
  • Plasma levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a norepinephrine metabolite, were measured.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Standardized eye movement tests were performed on cocaine abusers and control groups.

    • Main Results:

    • Cocaine abusers had significantly reduced MHPG plasma levels (53% of normal).
    • Smooth pursuit, optokinetic nystagmus, and caloric nystagmus were normal.
    • A reduction in immediate visual-vestibulo-ocular reflex gain enhancement was observed, but VOR adaptive plasticity remained normal.

    Conclusions:

    • Reduced MHPG levels in cocaine abusers suggest altered norepinephrine metabolism.
    • Normal VOR adaptive plasticity in humans challenges the direct link between norepinephrine and VOR plasticity seen in animals.
    • These findings indicate norepinephrine may not be critical for VOR plasticity in humans.