Kappa-PET Imaging and Naltrexone in Alcohol Drinking Behaviors
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 21 - 50 |
| Updated: | 5/26/2018 |
| Start Date: | February 2011 |
| End Date: | March 22, 2018 |
The primary purpose of the study is to increase our knowledge of receptor function in the
brains of people who are heavy drinkers and taking naltrexone (NTX), a medication that has
been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Receptors are special molecules in the
brain to which other molecules (neurotransmitters) attach during the normal every-day
workings of the brain. Drugs can bind to those receptor molecules as well. Recent evidence
suggests that kappa opioid receptors (KOR's) may play an important role in alcohol drinking
behavior. This study will try to determine if naltrexone's ability to attach to these
receptors is related to its effectiveness. We will use PET (positron emission tomography) for
this study. PET is a type of imaging device found in nuclear medicine. It is used for
tracking the presence of injected radioactive materials in the body.
brains of people who are heavy drinkers and taking naltrexone (NTX), a medication that has
been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Receptors are special molecules in the
brain to which other molecules (neurotransmitters) attach during the normal every-day
workings of the brain. Drugs can bind to those receptor molecules as well. Recent evidence
suggests that kappa opioid receptors (KOR's) may play an important role in alcohol drinking
behavior. This study will try to determine if naltrexone's ability to attach to these
receptors is related to its effectiveness. We will use PET (positron emission tomography) for
this study. PET is a type of imaging device found in nuclear medicine. It is used for
tracking the presence of injected radioactive materials in the body.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21-50
- Able to read English at 6th grade level or higher and to complete study evaluations
- Regular alcohol drinker
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who are seeking alcohol treatment
- Medical conditions that would contraindicate the use of study medication
- Regular use of other substances
We found this trial at
1
site
New Haven, Connecticut 06519
Principal Investigator: Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, Ph.D.
Phone: 203-974-7679
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