Yale researchers have identified changes in brain structure and function among individuals with opioid use disorder. The study, published in the journal Radiology on December 10, utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) to examine these alterations in various brain regions.
The research team, led by Saloni Mehta from Yale School of Medicine, found significant structural and functional changes in brain areas rich in opioid receptors. These include the thalamus, brainstem, cerebellum, and medial temporal lobe. These regions are known for their roles in addiction.
Mehta noted that while some pharmacological aspects of opioids are understood, "we know less about the neurobiology and system-level alterations that occur in the brain with opioid use."
The study involved 208 participants for MRI scans and 174 for fMRI scans. Participants either had no known neurological or mental health conditions or were diagnosed with opioid use disorder and stabilized on methadone treatment.
The study also highlighted sex differences. Mehta pointed out previous findings showing women progress more rapidly from initial substance use to misuse than men. In this study, researchers observed that healthy males typically have a larger medial prefrontal cortex compared to females; however, among those with opioid use disorder, females exhibited larger volumes than males.
These findings suggest a need for further research into sex differences related to substance use disorders. Mehta emphasized the importance of including women in such studies.
The research is part of an ongoing project supported by the National Institutes of Health’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative. The team plans to monitor participants over six months to assess relapse rates and treatment retention.
"We’re also interested in understanding the causal mechanisms of these brain alterations," said Mehta, indicating future research could explore whether opioid receptors or their effects play a role.
For further information on this study, media inquiries can be directed to Fred Mamoun at fred.mamoun@yale.edu or 203-436-2643.
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