Neuroimaging in alcoholism: CT and MRI results and clinical correlates

Abstract

For more than a century we have known the deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain regions surrounding the third ventricle and on the cerebellum. But it was only recently that we gained clearer evidence that the cortex is affected as well. Our imaging studies show that brain shrinkage is at least partially reversible once abstinence is maintained. They confirm results obtained in different laboratories from all over the world. Although our data contradict the rehydration hypothesis and thus lend credence to the idea of regeneration and neuroplasticity, the nature of reversibility is still a matter of debate.

Neurocircuitry in alcoholism: a substrate of disruption and repair

“…Additional studies suggest that cortical white matter volume may be particularly amenable to recovery with abstinence (O'Neill et al 2001;Shear et al 1994) or vulnerable to further decline with continued drinking . Possible dehydration or rehydration of white matter tissue, particularly to account for volume changes with abstinence, has been considered but has received little support (Harper et al 1988;Mann et al 1992Mann et al , 1995.…”

Pharmacogenetic insights to monoaminergic dysfunction in alcohol dependence

“…In accordance with this finding, Heinz et al (1998b) observed a reduction in serotonin transporter availability in the brainstem including the raphe area of detoxified male alcoholics compared with healthy men. The reduction in serotonin transporters was associated with the amount of alcohol chronically consumed and may reflect loss of neurons due to neurotoxic effects of chronic excessive alcohol intake (Halliday et al 1993;Mann et al 1995). Increased cortisol secretion during withdrawal may also interfere with the availability of central serotonin transporters (Heinz 2002).…”

Hippocampal Volume in Patients With Alcohol Dependence

“…1,2 Postmortem investigations show reduced white matter 3 as well as decreased neuronal density of the cortical gray matter 4 with selective neuronal loss in the superior frontal cortex. [4][5][6] Heavy drinking accelerates age-related myelin loss. 7 Neuronal loss in all hippocampal ammonic fields and the gyrus dentate has been reported.…”