Reduced presynaptic dopamine activity in fibromyalgia syndrome demonstrated with positron emission tomography: a pilot study.
Although the pathophysiology underlying the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains unknown, a variety of clinical and investigational findings suggests a dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. We therefore investigated presynaptic dopaminergic function in 6 female FMS patients in comparison to 8 age- and gender-matched controls as assessed by positron emission tomography with 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA as a tracer. Semiquantitative analysis revealed reductions in 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA uptake in several brain regions, indicating a disruption of presynaptic dopamine activity wherein dopamine plays a putative role in natural analgesia. Although the small sample size makes these findings preliminary, it appears that FMS might be characterized by a disruption of dopaminergic neurotransmission.


CONCLUSIONS
An association between FMS and reduced dopamine metabolism within the pain neuromatrix provides important insights into the pathophysiology of this mysterious disorder.
Wood
Patrick B
PB
Department of Family Medicine and Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA. pwood@lsuhsc.edu
Patterson
James C
JC
Sunderland
John J
JJ
Tainter
Kerrie H
KH
Glabus
Michael F
MF
Lilien
David L
DL
D000328:Adult; D004298:Dopamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008032:Limbic System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000378:metabolism*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C029253:6-fluorodopamine; D004298:Dopamine