Striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in male smokers

It has been reported that the activation of the nicotine receptor evokes central endogenous dopamine release. However, whether smoking affects striatal dopamine D2/D3 availability over the long run has not been well established in vivo. Fifteen male smokers and their matching controls were recruited. Striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability was assessed by single photon emission computed tomography with [123]IBZM Iodo-benzaimide. There was no significant difference in striatal D2/D3 receptor availability between smokers and controls.