A neuroimaging study of the density of dopamine transporters in people with gambling disorder

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Author(s): Guerra, Renata Faro ; Batista, Ilza Rosa ; Kim, Hyoun S. ; Hoexter, Marcelo Queiroz ; Shih, Ming Chi ; Bressan, Rodrigo Affonseca ; Tavares, Hermano

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: June 30, 2022

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the experience of rewards. Dopamine likely plays a role in gambling disorder (GD). The density of dopamine transporters (DAT) might be an important area of research. The researchers did a neuroimaging study on people with and without GD. They compared the DAT density between these two groups and did not find any differences. However, DAT density was associated with gambling-related factors in people with GD. Greater DAT density in the left striatum was related to greater gambling cravings and more time spent gambling. Greater DAT density in the right striatum was related to lower expectation to be able to stay away from gambling.

Citation: Guerra, R. F., Batista, I. R., Kim, H. S., Hoexter, M. Q., Shih, M. C., Bressan, R. A., & Tavares, H. (2022). Neuroimaging of dopamine transporter density in the striatum of disordered gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10100-8

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10100-8

Keywords: dopamine ; gambling disorder ; neurobiology ; neurotransmitters

Topics: Biological Factors ; Gambling and the Brain ; Reward System

Conceptual Framework Factors: Biological Factors ; Biological - Neurobiology

Study Design: Observational: Case Control

Geographic Coverage: Brazil, Sao Paulo

Study Population: 15 people with GD, who had recently gambled (at least once per week in the last four weeks), were at least 18 years old; and 15 people without GD and did not gamble. Controls were matched for gender, age, handedness (right), and education. Controls also must not have alcohol use or substance use disorders (except for nicotine use) or serious mental health disorder. Women in the control group could not be on contraceptives, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Sampling Procedure: People with GD were recruited from a university outpatient treatment centre, and the people without GD were recruited from media advertisements.

Study Funding:

No funding was identified for this study.