μ-opioid receptor system mediates reward processing in humans

Lauri Nummenmaa (), Tiina Saanijoki, Lauri Tuominen, Jussi Hirvonen, Jetro J. Tuulari, Pirjo Nuutila and Kari Kalliokoski
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Lauri Nummenmaa: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Tiina Saanijoki: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Lauri Tuominen: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Jussi Hirvonen: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Jetro J. Tuulari: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Pirjo Nuutila: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
Kari Kalliokoski: University of Turku and Turku University Hospital

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOR) system regulates motivational and hedonic processing. We tested directly whether individual differences in MOR are associated with neural reward responses to food pictures in humans. We scanned 33 non-obese individuals with positron emission tomography (PET) using the MOR-specific radioligand [11C]carfentanil. During a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan, the subjects viewed pictures of appetizing versus bland foods to elicit reward responses. MOR availability was measured in key components of the reward and emotion circuits and used to predict BOLD-fMRI responses to foods. Viewing palatable versus bland foods activates regions involved in homeostatic and reward processing, such as amygdala, ventral striatum, and hypothalamus. MOR availability in the reward and emotion circuit is negatively associated with the fMRI reward responses. Variation in MOR availability may explain why some people feel an urge to eat when encountering food cues, increasing risk for weight gain and obesity.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03848-y

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