Cerebral phosphorus metabolite and transverse relaxation time abnormalities in heroin-dependent subjects at onset of methadone maintenance treatment.

Abstract

Cerebral bioenergetic and phospholipid abnormalities have been reported in heroin-dependent subjects. The goal of the present study was to characterize the neurochemical profile of subjects voluntarily enrolled in a methadone maintenance (MM) treatment program to overcome their heroin addiction. Participants included 43 heroin-dependent subjects during their first month of MM and 15 age-matched healthy individuals. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS) and transverse relaxation times (T2-RT), which can reflect steady state cerebral perfusion and metabolism, were acquired at 1.5 T from an axial slice prescribed through the orbitofrontal and occipital cortices, including basal ganglia and frontal cortex. MM subjects exhibited reduced phosphocreatine (PCr) levels (-15.3%), elevated phosphodiesters (+ 12.9%, PDE) and significantly longer T2-RT ((+) 2.1%) compared with healthy comparison subjects. When MM subjects were stratified into subgroups based on treatment duration, we found a treatment duration effect on metabolite values but not T2-RT; reduced PCr was observed only after 8+ days of MM, and phosphomonoesters (PME) were elevated in the 15-28 day MM group. Taken together, these cross-sectional data suggest that the first month of MM treatment may be associated with altered cerebral bioenergetics and phospholipid metabolite levels.

• Authors: Marisa M Silveri, Mark H Pollack, Claudia I Diaz, Leanne E Nassar, Jack H Mendelson, Deborah A Yurgelun-Todd, Perry F Renshaw, Marc J Kaufman
• Journal: Psychiatry research (Psychiatry Res) Vol. 131 Issue 3 Pg. 217-26 (Sep 15 2004) ISSN: 0165-1781 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 15465291 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Narcotics
• Phospholipids
• Phosphocreatine
• Phosphorus
• Adenosine Triphosphate
• Methadone

Topics

• Adenosine Triphosphate (metabolism)
• Adult
• Basal Ganglia (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Cerebral Cortex (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Female
• Heroin Dependence (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Male
• Methadone (therapeutic use)
• Narcotics (therapeutic use)
• Phosphocreatine (metabolism)
• Phospholipids (metabolism)
• Phosphorus (metabolism)
• Regional Blood Flow (physiology)
• Substance Abuse Detection
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (diagnosis, physiopathology)