title: Investigating the microstructural and neurochemical environment within the basal ganglia of current methamphetamine abusers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant and the medical, social, and economic consequences associated with its use have become a major international problem. Current evidence has shown methamphetamine to be particularly neurotoxic to dopamine neurons and striatal structures within the basal ganglia. A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated larger putamen volumes in actively using methamphetamine-dependent participants. The purpose of this current study was to determine whether striatal structures in the same sample of participants also exhibit pathology on the microstructural and molecular level.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were carried out in current methamphetamine users (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 22) to investigate diffusion indices and neurometabolite levels in the basal ganglia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Contrary to findings from previous DTI and MRS studies, no significant differences in diffusion indices or metabolite levels were observed in the basal ganglia regions of current methamphetamine users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings differ from those reported in abstinent users and the absence of diffusion and neurochemical abnormalities may suggest that striatal enlargement in current methamphetamine use may be due to mechanisms other than edema and glial proliferation.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Joanne C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Reem K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rob R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kydd
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: b.russell@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Bruce R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D011699:Putamen / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: Basal ganglia; Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); Methamphetamine