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Behavioral sensitization might underlie such progressive processes as increased susceptibility to psychosis with each recurrence and increased reward with repeated exposure to addicting substances. Only a few studies have shown sensitization in humans (e.g., Journal Watch Psychiatry Jan 1 1997). In this PET study in healthy men with repeated exposure to dextroamphetamine, researchers indirectly measured dopamine release in the striatum with the radioligand [11C]raclopride.
The protocol involved dextroamphetamine doses on days 1, 3, 5, and 21; PET scans on days 1 and 21; one drug-free PET scan; and, to increase sensitization, sham PET scans on days 3 and 5. Findings in six control subjects who took dextroamphetamine at days 1, 3, 5, and 22 an…