Analgesia is one of the most robust and best-studied placebo effects. Accumulated evidence indicates the existence of a spectrum of placebo analgesia mechanisms. Recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the involvement of multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters. Yet it is still unclear if the results from these experiments represent a general modality of the placebo effect or multiple distinct mechanisms elicited by specific situations. Mapping coherent and precise pathway(s) is an urgent challenge in placebo studies.
The aim of this study is to generate preliminary innovative, high spatial resolution, simultaneous, multi-modal brain imaging data investigating precisely defined placebo analgesic effects in specific neurotransmitter system and whole brain activity as reflected by BOLD MR imaging. Specifically, based on evidence that placebo effects dependent on morphine conditioning are naloxone reversible, this proposal will investigate the brain mechanism of opioid (morphine) conditioning effects using innovative technology -- an integrated MRI-PET system that can collect fMRI and [11C] carfentanil PET data simultaneously. We believe this study (combined with an extended study planned for the future) will expand our understanding of drug-specific conditioning effects, addiction, mind-body interaction, and cognitive (conscious) and non-cognitive (unconscious) modulation processes on a more general level.

Public Health Relevance

The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanism of opioid (morphine) placebo effects using the innovative imaging technique of integrated MRI and PET.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03DA030512-01A1
Application #
8113654
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1-GXM-A (02))
Program Officer
Lin, Yu
Project Start
2011-07-01
Project End
2013-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$265,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
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