Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between opioid exposure and dopaminergic measures in humans assessed by nuclear medicine imaging (opens in new tab)

This protocol outlines planned methodology for a systematic review and meta-analysis of dopaminergic neuroimaging findings in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Converging evidence across substance use disorders (SUDs) shows dopaminergic dysregulation, including low dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) availability and dopamine release, correlating to anhedonia, altered reward processing, impulsivity, and drug-seeking. Opioid use indirectly alters dopamine signaling, with preclinical work show...