OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that cocaine depletes
dopamine levels in the brain. METHOD: Levels of dopamine, serotonin, and
their metabolites in the frontal cortex and striatum of nine cocaine users
and nine matched control subjects who had never used cocaine were
determined from postmortem autopsy material. RESULTS: The cocaine users had
significantly lower dopamine levels and higher serotonin levels in the
frontal cortex than the control subjects. Levels in other brain areas did
not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of dopamine and
serotonin levels might contribute to symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and
craving.Abstract Teaser