A polymorphism in the dopamine transporter (DAT) may determine how much dopamine is available at the synapse and this may affect the underlying reasons for relapse in smokers. This research will use Single-photon emission computed tomography SPECT and the DAT-specific ligand, TRODAT (Dopamine Transporter Density by \[99mTc\]), to examine the availability of DAT in smokers grouped by genotype in the sated (just having smoked) and withdrawal (4 hours without smoking) conditions.
There will be 2 SPECT scans for each smoker who participates in this research. One SPECT scan when the smoker is sated with nicotine and one where the smoker is in withdrawal
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
14
Smoker will receive a TRODAT injection
University of Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment Research Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
SPECT Imaging of DAT Genotype - Difference in TRODAT binding to DAT
To determine differences in TRODAT binding to the DAT between smokers who are sated and those who are in withdrawal
Time frame: Up to 3 years for data analyses
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