Despite the widely acknowledged gender differences in the prevalence and clinical course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there exists a paucity of data on the neurobiological mechanisms that explain these reported gender disparities in PTSD;therefore, better understanding of neurobiological sex differences has the potential to provide understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD and will also lead to improving interventions and services for males and females. We propose to recruit N=12 medication-free female patients with civilian PTSD, measure their CB1 receptor-selective radioligand [11C]OMAR volumes of distribution (VT), an equivalent of CB1 receptor expression using PET and compare them with 12 men with PTSD, as well as individually age, gender and BMI-matched controls with (TC, N=24) and without (HC, N=24) trauma history. This will answer the key question of this application if there exist a sex difference in stress responsiveness on a receptor level resultant in elevated CB1 protein expression in PTSD women in a PTSD circuit.

Public Health Relevance

Better understanding of neurobiological sex differences has the potential to provide not only improved understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD but will also lead to improving interventions and services for males and females. We propose to recruit N=12 medication-free female patients with civilian PTSD, measure their [11C]OMAR volumes of distribution (VT), an equivalent of CB1 receptor density using positron emission tomography (PET) and compare them with 12 men with PTSD, as well as individually age, gender and BMI- matched controls with (TC, N=24) and without (HC, N=24) trauma history.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH096876-02
Application #
8494093
Study Section
Neural Basis of Psychopathology, Addictions and Sleep Disorders Study Section (NPAS)
Program Officer
Borja, Susan
Project Start
2012-07-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2013-07-01
Budget End
2014-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$398,219
Indirect Cost
$93,764
Name
New York University
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10016
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