Imaging Corticotrophin-releasing Factor (CRF) X Nociceptive Opioid Peptide (NOP) Interactions in Cocaine Use Disorders (Aim 1)
Rajesh Narendran
Summary
This study uses \[11C\]NOP-1A positron emission tomography (PET) and a hydrocortisone challenge to image the interaction between nociceptive opioid peptide (NOP) receptors and cortisol/corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) in subjects with cocaine use disorders (CUD) and matched healthy controls (HC). It will also examine whether alterations in CRF x NOP interactions predict relapse in subjects with CUD.
Description
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a chronic disorder associated with numerous relapses and periods of abstinence. Studies in CUD suggest that \~ 60 to 75% of abstinent addicts relapse over twelve months Documenting specific neurochemical abnormalities that lead to relapse in individuals with CUD has the potential to accelerate the development of medications to prevent relapse. Basic investigations postulate an imbalance between brain stress and anti-stress/resilience systems as the underlying mechanism that drives negative reinforcement, craving, and relapse in addiction. Nociceptin (N/OFQ), whic…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Cocaine use disorders (CUD) 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old 2. Fulfil DSM-5 criteria for cocaine use disorder 3. No other current DSM-5 psychiatric or addictive disorders (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, etc.,) 4. No current abuse (six months) of opiates, sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines, MDMA, etc., as well as moderate to severe alcohol or cannabis use (twice a week). Nicotine use will be quantified and controlled between groups using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (Heatherton et al., 1991); 5. Not currently on prescript…
Interventions
- RadiationBaseline [C-11]NOP-1A PET Scan
Radiotracer
- DrugHydrocortisone
Intravenous, 1mg/Kg
- RadiationPost-hydrocortisone [C-11]NOP-1A PET Scan
Radiotracer
Location
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania