Binge alcohol use is not associated with alterations in striatal dopamine receptor binding or dopamine release

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious imaging studies using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) have shown that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with a decrease in dopamine type 2/3 receptor (D2/3) binding and dopamine transmission. Although binge drinking is a risk factor for future AUD, little is known about the neurobiology of binge drinking in young adults. This study measured D2/3 receptor binding and stimulant-induced dopamine release using PET and [11C]raclopride in binge drinkers without an AUD. MethodsThis study included 14 healthy controls (HC) and 14 young adult binge drinkers (BD), aged 18-25. The BD met National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) criteria for binge drinking and the HC subjects were social drinkers. The subjects were scanned with [11C]raclopride before and after the administration of oral methylphenidate (60 mg) to measure D2/3 binding and dopamine release. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the PET measures of D2/3 binding or methylphenidate-induced dopamine release between the two groups. There was no significant association between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores or 30-day drinking history and the imaging data. ConclusionIn this sample of 18–25-year-old binge drinkers without a diagnosis of a substance use disorder, there were no significant differences in D2/3 receptor binding potential or methylphenidate-induced dopamine release relative to healthy controls.