Project Summary

Chawki Benkelfat, M.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2004) of McGill University, notes that while altered dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is thought to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of psychotic states and addiction, sensitization (repeated exposure to stimulants or stress progressively result in heightened behavioral responses and increased dopaminergic neurotransmission upon re-exposure) is a possible mechanism by which DA neurotransmission may be dysregulated. Initial results from a pilot study indicate that sensitization can be elicited safely and reliably in the lab, and that sensitization is associated with enhanced DA release, in vivo, in the ventral striatum of healthy volunteers. Dr. Benkelfat will attempt to determine to what extent the effects of amphetamine (sensitization is elicited by repeated exposure to d-amphetamine) generalize to other stimuli that cause DA release, with an emphasis on psychosocial stress as a risk factor for psychotic relapse. Sensitization offers a novel perspective on the understanding of the neurobiology of the triggering/relapse of psychotic states, as well as the phenomenon of drug craving/drug seeking behavior.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Schizophrenia/Addiction

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