Imaging neuroinflammation in individuals with substance use disorders
Xinyi Li, … , Nora D. Volkow, Corinde E. Wiers
Xinyi Li, … , Nora D. Volkow, Corinde E. Wiers
Published June 3, 2024
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2024;134(11):e172884. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI172884.
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Imaging neuroinflammation in individuals with substance use disorders

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests a role of neuroinflammation in substance use disorders (SUDs). This Review presents findings from neuroimaging studies assessing brain markers of inflammation in vivo in individuals with SUDs. Most studies investigated the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) using PET; neuroimmune markers myo-inositol, choline-containing compounds, and N-acetyl aspartate using magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and fractional anisotropy using MRI. Study findings have contributed to a greater understanding of neuroimmune function in the pathophysiology of SUDs, including its temporal dynamics (i.e., acute versus chronic substance use) and new targets for SUD treatment.

Authors

Xinyi Li, Astrid P. Ramos-Rolón, Gabriel Kass, Lais S. Pereira-Rufino, Naomi Shifman, Zhenhao Shi, Nora D. Volkow, Corinde E. Wiers

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Figure 1

Imaging markers of neuroinflammation.

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Imaging markers of neuroinflammation. (A) PET image of TSPO radiotracer ...
(A) PET image of TSPO radiotracer [11C]PBR28 (image reproduced with permission from Kim et al., 2018, ref. 21). (B) Representative image of 1H-MRS voxel placement in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and 1H-MRS spectra of inflammation markers, NAA, cho, and mI (spectra image reproduced with permission from Blüml, 2013, ref. 130). (C) DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) color map. Cho, choline-containing compounds; Cr, creatine; DTI, diffusion tensor imaging; 1H-MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy; mI, myo-inositol; NAA, N-acetyl-aspartate; TSPO, translocator protein 18 kDa.