The value of dopamine transporter 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 imaging for evaluating the therapeutic effects of Junfukang capsule on prevention and cure of drug addiction recurrence

Objective: To evaluate the value of SPECT dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging in molecular level study of Junfukang capsule in treating and rehabilitating the damaged corpus striatum and disorganized dopamine (DA) system. Methods: Eighteen normal volunteers were included into the control group. Twelve patients with prolonged heroin withdrawal syndrome were in the patient group. Before and after taking Junfukang capsule SPECT DAT imaging was performed. 99Tcm-2β-[N, N'-bis (2-mercaptoethyl) ethylenediamino] methyl, 3β- (4-chlorophenyl) tropane (TRODAT-1) was used as imaging agent with the dose of 740 MBq. Using 3 mathematical models to work out the corpus striatum V (cm3), m(g) and radio-ratio (Ra), respectively. Results: Before the treatment of the patients with prolonged heroin withdrawal syndrome, the images showed that the corpus striatum of both side were with different levels of abnormalities, compared to the control group the difference of corpus striatum V, m and Ra were significant (t>3.25, P<0.01-0.05). After the treatment with Junfukang capsule, along with the disappearance of protracted heroin abstinence syndrome, DAT imaging showed that the shape of the corpus striatum of both side returned to 'panda eyes', the same as that in the normal volunteers. Corpus striatum V, m and Ra recovered quite well. The retention time sustained for more than 15 months (10/12 patients, 83.3%) without psychological dependence. Conclusions: The extent and the spot number of DAT in the patients with prolonged heroin withdrawal syndrome are greatly decreased and with the lower functioning. After the treatment of Junfukang capsule, the DAT function of bilateral corpus striatum have apparently been restored