Neuroreceptor and its transporters imaging by PET and SPECT in heroin addiction

Heroin abuse can cause prominent hazardous effects, including the collapse of social, economic status and health. The research of heroin addiction mechanism has got some progress, but the neurotransmitter and receptor mechanism are still not clear. This review discussed potential neurobiology mechanisms of heroin addiction, including opioid receptor, dopamine receptors and dopamine transporters in different brain areas when exposed to heroin and the application of PET and SPECT imaging of neuroreceptor and its transporters in heroin addiction research.