Higher levels of CSF homovanillic acid in recently abstinent cocaine-dependent patients.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined an index of dopaminergic neurotransmission in recently abstinent cocaine-dependent patients. METHOD: CSF concentrations of the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) were determined in 30 recently abstinent cocaine-dependent patients and 69 healthy comparison subjects. RESULTS: The cocaine-dependent patients had a significantly higher mean concentration of CSF HVA than did the healthy comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: Recently abstinent cocaine-dependent patients may show dysregulation of the central dopaminergic system.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Roy, A; Berman, J; Williams, R; Kuhn, C; Gonzalez, B

Published Date

  • June 2002

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 159 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 1053 - 1055

PubMed ID

  • 12042199

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0002-953X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1176/appi.ajp.159.6.1053

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States