The catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor tolcapone modulates alcohol consumption and impulsive choice in alcohol use disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) demonstrate difficulty with decision-making and impulsivity that may be associated with impaired frontal cortical function. Therapeutics that enhance frontal dopamine tone could decrease impulsivity and in turn reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with AUD.

Objectives

To determine if the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor tolcapone can attenuate alcohol consumption in individuals with AUD and whether this attenuation correlates with tolcapone-induced changes in laboratory-based decision-making tasks.

Methods

We used daily self-report and a novel group laboratory bar task to assess the effects of randomized double-blind crossover administration of tolcapone (100 mg TID for 5 days) on alcoho

SUBMITTER: Coker AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7529919 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature