title: Brain function of heroin addicts after withdrawal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore what brain regions are modulated by heroin addiction and withdrawal.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the brain function in 15 heroin-dependent patients 3 days (acute) and 1 month (protracted) after heroin abstinence. Sixteen normal controls were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The blood oxygen level-dependent signal in the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain of heroin-dependent patients was significantly elevated 3 days after the withdrawal. Hyperfunction of the orbitofrontal cortex declined 1 month after the withdrawal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heroin-dependent subjects at both 3 days and 1 month abstinence have persistent abnormalities in the brain function. Although some tangible beneficial effects are noted following 1 month of detoxification, possible permanent damage to the brain caused by heroin use is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Central South University, Changsha, China.
authors.forename: Xuyi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xuhui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yanhui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Jinsong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Tieqiao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*