Imaging the endocannabinoid system after acute, chronic alcohol abuse and monitored abstinence

Recent biochemical and preclinical evidence suggests involvement of the endocannabinoid signaling system in alcohol use disorders. The main objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a binge drinking episode and chronic alcohol consumption on CB1R availability, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging radioligand, both in humans and animal models. Firstly, twenty healthy drinkers underwent [18F]MK-9470 PET at baseline and after intravenous ethanol administration. Acute alcohol administration resulted in a global increase of CB1R availability (+15.8%), throughout all grey matter regions, that was inversely correlated to the routine-alcohol consumption.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: Jenny Ceccarini, Cindy Casteels, Guy Bormans, Stephan Claes, Koen Van Laere Source Type: research