Abstract
Cocaine blocks dopamine transporters (DAT) and this effect is crucial to its reinforcing properties. To assess the effects of chronic cocaine on DAT we evaluated 20 current cocaine abusers and 20 age matched controls using PET and [C-11]cocaine as a DAT ligand. Though there were no differences in DAT availability between groups, current cocaine abusers (and 12 detoxified cocaine abusers studied previously) did not show the typical age-related decline in DAT seen in controls. Though further studies are required to rule out sampling effects and to control for confounding variables (i.e. smoking), one could speculate that chronic DAT blockade by cocaine has a protective effect on the loss of DAT with age.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
