September 1, 2006
High levels of dopamine D2 receptors in unaffected members of alcoholic families: possible protective factors.
Key result
Nonalcoholic subjects with a strong family history of alcoholism had significantly higher availability of D2 receptors in the caudate and ventral striatum compared to controls.
Why the study?
Do nonalcoholic members of alcoholic families have different levels of dopamine D2 receptors compared to controls without a family history?
Population
31 nonalcoholic subjects, including 15 with a strong family history of alcoholism and 16 controls with no…
Comparison
Family history of alcoholism vs No family history of alcoholism
Design
Case-control
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
May support D2 receptor protection against alcoholism; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=31)
Structured PICO
Do nonalcoholic members of alcoholic families have different levels of dopamine D2 receptors compared to controls without a family history?
P
Population
31 nonalcoholic subjects, comprising 15 with a strong family history of alcoholism and 16 controls with no family history, assessed for dopamine D2 receptor availability.
E
Exposure
Family history of alcoholism (observational exposure)
C
Comparator
No family history of alcoholism
O
Outcome
Dopamine D2 receptor availability assessed by positron emission tomography with raclopride C 11 and brain glucose metabolism assessed with fludeoxyglucose F 18surrogate
Higher dopamine D2 receptor availability in nonalcoholic members of alcoholic families suggests these receptors may protect against alcoholism by regulating circuits involved in emotional reactivity and executive control.
Cite This Study
Volkow et al. (2006) conducted an observational in Predisposition to alcoholism (n=31). Strong family history of alcoholism vs. No family history of alcoholism was evaluated on Availability of D2 receptors and brain glucose metabolism. Nonalcoholic subjects with a strong family history of alcoholism had significantly higher availability of D2 receptors in the caudate and ventral striatum compared to controls.