The influence of conditioned stimuli on [11C]-(+)-PHNO PET binding in tobacco smokers after a one week abstinence

Abstract Stimuli previously paired with drugs of dependence can produce cravings that are associated increased dopamine (DA) levels in limbic and striatal brain areas. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging [ 11 C]-(+)-PHNO allows for a sensitive measurement changes DA levels. The purpose the present study was to investigate levels, measured PET C]-(+)-PHNO, regions interest smokers who had maintained abstinence 7–10 days. Participants (N = 10) underwent two scans on separate days, during which they viewed either smoking-related or neutral images, counterbalanced order. Craving 12-item Tobacco Questionnaire (TCQ) Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-B). Compared cues, smoking cues did not increase craving. There were no binding cue condition compared most (ventral pallidum, globus pallidus, striatum, associative sensorimotor striatum). However, potential substantia nigra greater smoking-cue condition, indicating decreased synaptic dopamine. is change level occurring midbrain following presentation cues. this preliminary finding would need be validated larger sample.