NOP Receptor Imaging in Alcoholism

STUDY BASICS

The University of Pittsburgh Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry are seeking adults ages 23-55 who have a problem with alcohol for a brain imaging research study. Participation involves questionnaires, interviews, and brain scanning (1 MRI, 1 CT, and 1 PET scan). Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to help researchers understand the role of a protein called nociceptin/orphanin FQ in alcohol dependence. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ is used by the brain to pass messages between brain cells, and seems to play an important role in regulating pain, stress, and reward functions. To learn about the role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in alcohol dependence, researchers will compare brain scans from people who have a chronic alcohol use disorder with people who do not.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Adults ages 23-55 who have problem with alcohol use
• Willing to not use alcohol for several weeks
• Not taking prescription medication (birth control ok)
• Willing and able to undergo 1 MRI, 1 CT and 1 PET scan

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation includes at least eight visits. An initial screening visit at WPIC takes about six hours to complete, and includes questionnaires, interviews, a physical exam, and a blood draw. Participants are not permitted to use any alcohol or drugs within several weeks of the PET study and will be required to provide urine for drug testing. People who qualify for the study will be required to come into UPMC Presbyterian Hospital/WPIC an additional six times to undergo MRI, PET, and CT scans, and other imaging-related procedures. Participants will be seen for 12 weeks after the PET scans. During this 12-week period, a research therapist will meet with you in person three times a week to assess psychiatric symptoms and check urine drug screens. After completing the study, participants will be referred to a community addiction treatment program.