Alteration of brain dopamine and serotonin levels in cocaine users: a preliminary report

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.