Online Issues

Journal Vol 49 (1)

Brain Imaging in Nonhuman Primates: Insights into Drug Addiction

Michael A. Nader and Paul W. Czoty

Michael A. Nader, PhD, is Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology and Radiology and Paul W. Czoty, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Nader is also Director of the university's Nonhuman Primate Imaging of Behavior Program.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Michael A. Nader, Nonhuman Primate Imaging of Behavior Program, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 546 NRC, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083 or email mnader@wfubmc.edu.

Abstract

In vivo brain imaging enables the systematic examination of trait and state variables that contribute to the etiology of human diseases. This review highlights the use of in vivo imaging in nonhuman primate models of drug abuse. In efforts to translate findings from laboratory animals to humans, monkey models offer considerable advantages over those that use rodents and other species because of their neurobiological similarity to humans and their longer life span, which makes it possible to study individual subjects over several years. This article provides a brief overview of positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based techniques, and encephalographic approaches, with a focus on methodological issues that investigators new to the field should consider. We discuss PET imaging studies involving the dopamine (DA) system, with a special emphasis on DA D2 receptors, and describe experimental approaches through which PET imaging data can provide information about the neuropharmacological and neurochemical actions of drugs that modify behavior. We also consider the use of imaging to understand the impact and interactions of genetic predispositions and environmental and physiological modulators on disease states. For MRI-based and encephalographic studies, we describe approaches that can provide new information about brain function. Although much work remains to be done to adapt and apply these techniques for routine use in nonhuman primates, there has been much progress. These techniques will provide the foundation for future studies aimed at developing behavioral and pharmacological treatments for many human diseases.

Key Words: animal models; D2 receptors; dopamine; magnetic resonance imaging; nonhuman primates; positron emission tomography

ABSTRACT WITH SUPPLEMENTAL IMAGES