Treatment status predicts differential prefrontal cortical responses to alcohol and natural reinforcer cues among alcohol dependent individuals

Abstract

This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRs) to test the hypothesis that non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent participants (NTSA) would show greater response in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to alcohol cues than recovering alcoholics (RA; sober 90-180 days) or social drinkers. Opposite predictions were made for responses to natural reward cues. NTSA (n=4), RA (n=6), and social drinkers (n=4) were exposed to alcohol and natural reward cues while being monitored with fNIRs. Results confirmed enhanced responses to alcohol cues among NTSA vs. RA in right middle frontal gyrus. The opposite effect (RA>NTSA) was found in response to natural reward cues. Neural responses to alcohol and natural reward cues were negatively correlated in right DLPFC. Real-time craving ratings were positively correlated with greater neural response to alcohol cues. Differential responses to drug and natural reward cues suggest that a psychological mechanism related to treatment status may modulate drug cue responses in DLPFC. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.