The proposed project will utilize perfusion functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a
functional candidate gene association approach (of dopaminergic addictions-targeted
polymorphisms), and the dopamine-modulating and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) B receptor
agonist, baclofen, to examine the brain and behavioral responses in smokers to appetitive
smoking reminders (cues that motivate continued smoking and relapse). These studies will
provide a means to identify an appetitive cue-sensitive pharmacologic-responsive
endophenotype. Once brain/behavioral/genetic endophenotypes can be determined prior to
treatment, smoking cessation treatments can be structured to meet individual needs, which
will significantly improve treatment outcome.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Pennsylvania
Collaborators:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) National Institutes of Health (NIH)