Dopamine D(2) receptor availability is associated with subjective responses to alcohol.

BACKGROUND The mesolimbic dopaminergic system is thought to mediate alcohol abuse and dependence. Determining the relationship between in vivo dopamine and the subjective response to alcohol could improve understanding of the mechanisms that lead to alcohol abuse and dependence. Here, we examined the relationship between dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and scores of perceived "high" and "intoxication" during an intravenous (IV) alcohol infusion. METHODS Nine healthy control subjects received [C]raclopride PET scanning at baseline. Eight subjects received a second [C]raclopride scan during a pharmacodynamically modeled and controlled rise of IV alcohol, followed by steady state (60 mg% +/- 5 mg%) alcohol infusion. Numerical ratings of "high" and "intoxication" were tested for correlations with measures of dopaminergic function. RESULTS Baseline D2 receptor availability in the left nucleus accumbens was significantly correlated with peak perceived "intoxication" (p = 0.02) and marginally correlated with peak perceived "high" (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS Resting D2 receptor availability may predict healthy subject responses to alcohol exposure.