The Effects of Craving and Abstinence From Cigarettes on Brain Metabolism in Smokers

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Nicotine Dependence

• Registration Number: NCT00267813
• Lead Sponsor: Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

Brief Summary

Craving and withdrawal from smoking cigarettes are major factors for relapse. We investigated craving for cigarettes in smokers undergoing pharmacological treatment with Bupropion (Zyban). We compare cue-induced reactivity to smoking videos in smokers who were successfully treated with Bupropion to smokers who are still smoking. We measured the brain's metabolic activity in response to smoking and neutral cues in Positron Emission Tomography using FDG.

Detailed Description

Craving and withdrawal from smoking cigarettes are major factors for relapse. We investigated craving for cigarettes in smokers undergoing pharmacological treatment with Bupropion (Zyban)for 2 months. We compare cue-induced reactivity to smoking videos in smokers who were successfully treated with Bupropion to smokers who are still smoking. We measured the brain's metabolic activity after exposure to videotapes showing smoking and neutral scenes in Positron Emission Tomography using FDG. There were 2 scanning sessions, one with a smoking videotape and one with a neutral video separated by a week. So far we have compared the brain's metabolic activity in 6 abstinent smokers and 6 still smokers.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2004-07
• Study First Submitted: 2005-12-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2005-12-20
• Study First Posted: 2005-12-21
• Primary Completion: 2007-10
• Study Completion: 2007-10
• Status Verified: 2008-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2008-05-06
• Last Update Posted: 2008-05-07

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• Cigarette smokers (over 1 pack a day)
• Age 20-65, male-females

Exclusion Criteria

• Dependence on other substances
• Psychiatric diagnosis
• Neurological disorder
• Obesity
• Young persons
• Pregnant women

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Brain metabolic activity (FDG) in response to craving and neutral cues.	30-40 minutes

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Subjective ratings of craving	10 minutes

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Nuclear Medicine; 🇮🇱 Tel Aviv, Israel