Cerebral glucose utilization in human heroin addicts: Case reports from a positron emission tomographic study

E. D. London, R. A. Margolin, D. F. Wong, J. Links, N. D. La France, N. G. Cascella, E. P.M. Broussolle, H. N. Wagner, F. R. Snyder, D. R. Jasinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Regional and global cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglu, CMRglu) were assayed in two active heroin addicts and three post-addicts by the [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomographic (PET) method. Self-reports on the Morphine-Benzedrine Group (MBG) scale of the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) indicated no effect of heroin on mood in subject #1, but a strong effect in subject #2. Compared with postaddicts, subject #1 showed fewer differences in rCMRglu than subject #2. Metabolic rates in subject #1 were lower in the cuneus, gyrus rectus, and cerebellum, but higher in the amygdala-hippocampus than in postaddicts; CMRglu was not changed. Subject #2 showed lower CMRglu and rCMRglu in areas of visual cortex, the basal ganglia and hippocampal formation. The findings suggest that chronic heroin can produce persistent deficits in telencephalic rCMRglu, which may relate to effects on mood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)141-144
Number of pages4
JournalResearch Communications in Substances of Abuse
Volume10
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)

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