Kappa-PET Imaging and Naltrexone in Alcohol Drinking Behaviors
Description
The primary purpose of the study is to increase our knowledge of receptor function in the brains of people who are heavy drinkers and taking naltrexone (NTX), a medication that has been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Receptors are special molecules in the brain to which other molecules (neurotransmitters) attach during the normal every-day workings of the brain. Drugs can bind to those receptor molecules as well. Recent evidence suggests that kappa opioid receptors (KOR's) may play an important role in alcohol drinking behavior. This study will try to determine if naltrexone's ability to attach to these receptors is related to its effectiveness. We will use PET (positron emission tomography) for this study. PET is a type of imaging device found in nuclear medicine. It is used for tracking the presence of injected radioactive materials in the body.
Study Start Date
February 2011
Estimated Completion Date
June 2018
Interventions
- Drug: Naltrexone
Specialties
- Psychiatry: Neuropsych Sciences,Substance Abuse
- Neurology: Neuropsych Sciences
- Family Medicine: Substance Abuse
- Radiology: CT/SPECT/PET
MeSH Terms
- Alcohol Drinking
- Drinking Behavior
- Naltrexone
Study ID
Yale University -- 1011007710
Status
Unknown
Trial ID
Study Type
Interventional
Trial Phase
Phase 1
Enrollment Quota
97
Sponsor
Yale University
Inclusion Criteria
- Ages 21-50
- Able to read English at 6th grade level or higher and to complete study evaluations
- Regular alcohol drinker
Exclusion Criteria
- Individuals who are seeking alcohol treatment
- Medical conditions that would contraindicate the use of study medication
- Regular use of other substances
Gender
Both
Ages
21 Years to 50 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Study Locations and Contact Information (2)
Study Location | Distance | Name | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sac Cmhc - New Haven, Connecticut | 17.3 miles | None | None | None |
Sac Cmhc - New Haven, Connecticut | 17.3 miles | Nicholas Franco BA | 203-974-7679 | nicholas.franco@yale.edu |