Frontal glucose hypometabolism in abstinent methamphetamine users.
Changes in relative regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglc) and their potential gender differences in abstinent methamphetamine (MA) users were explored. Relative rCMRglc, as measured by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and frontal executive functions, as assessed by Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), were compared between 35 abstinent MA users and 21 healthy comparison subjects. In addition, male and female MA users and their gender-matched comparison subjects were compared to investigate potential gender differences. MA users had lower rCMRglc levels in the right superior frontal white matter and more perseveration and nonperseveration errors in the WCST, relative to healthy comparison subjects. Relative rCMRglc in the frontal white matter correlated with number of errors in the WCST in MA users. In the subanalysis for gender differences, lower rCMRglc in the frontal white matter and more errors in the WCST were found only in male MA users, not in female MA users, relative to their gender-matched comparison subjects. The current findings suggest that MA use causes persistent hypometabolism in the frontal white matter and impairment in frontal executive function. Our findings also suggest that the neurotoxic effect of MA on frontal lobes of the brain might be more prominent in men than in women.
Kim
Seog Ju
SJ
Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Lyoo
In Kyoon
IK
Hwang
Jaeuk
J
Sung
Young Hoon
YH
Lee
Ho Young
HY
Lee
Dong Soo
DS
Jeong
Do-Un
DU
Renshaw
Perry F
PF
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005947:Glucose