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Opiate dependence and withdrawal: preliminary assessment using single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
J H Krystal1, S W Woods, T R Kosten
1West Haven VA Medical Center, Connecticut 06516, USA.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Naloxone-induced opiate withdrawal in patients showed altered brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal cortices and thalamus, compared to healthy subjects. The study evaluated [99mTc]d,l-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) SPECT imaging for assessing these brain function changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic opiate dependence is associated with altered regional brain function.
- Understanding these alterations is crucial for developing effective addiction treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of naloxone on opiate withdrawal symptoms and regional brain function in methadone-maintained patients.
- To evaluate the utility of [99mTc]d,l-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) SPECT imaging in detecting these changes.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 10 methadone-maintained patients and 10 healthy subjects.
- Regional brain function assessed using single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) measuring [99mTc]d,l-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) uptake.
- Comparisons made between patients and healthy subjects before and after naloxone administration.
Main Results:
- Opiate-dependent patients exhibited lower frontal/parietal and higher thalamic activity ratios compared to healthy subjects.
- Naloxone induced withdrawal symptoms in patients, accompanied by decreased whole brain density and altered regional activity ratios.
- Naloxone administration in healthy subjects caused different regional brain activity changes than those observed in opiate withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest HMPAO-SPECT can detect regional brain function alterations during opiate dependence and withdrawal.
- The study highlights potential differences in brain activity patterns between opiate withdrawal and naloxone effects in healthy individuals.
- Further research with improved functional brain imaging techniques is recommended to better assess human regional brain function in opiate addiction.