Human studies show that cocaine dependence affects the microstructure of white matter, probably as a result of vasoconstrictive effects of the drug. Little is known, however, about the temporal development of the white matter injury and the changes in cerebral vasculature during the dependence period, or about the recovery of both with cessation of the drug use. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides tools that are highly suitable for investigating in a non-invasive manner the anatomical, structural and functional and chemical characteristics of the brain. In this application we propose to implement a set of MRI techniques for investigating the effects of the use of cocaine on monkey brain, in particular its effects on white matter microstructure on gray/white matter volumes, on the vascularity and perfusion of gray and white matter and on the neurochemical profile of the monkey brain. These techniques will be used to perform a preliminary study on a small and well-controlled population of monkeys.
Aim 1. To develop a robust methodology for investigating structural, anatomical and functional measures in monkey brains.
Aim 2. To collect preliminary data on the effects of drug use and its cessation on monkey brain. We hypothesize that: 1. Long term cocaine self-administration will result in brain changes in the monkeys similar to those seen in human studies. 2. Cessation of drug use will result in a normalization of brain measures. This will address the important issue of whether or not there is significant brain recovery following cessation of drug use.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DA016355-01
Application #
6598570
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1-TXL-Q (14))
Program Officer
Aigner, Thomas G
Project Start
2002-09-30
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-30
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$224,846
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
168559177
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455