Empathy and the subjective-behavioural effects of D1 and D2 receptor blockade in pathological gamblers
Abstract
This study assessed the relationship between Empathy and reinforcing effects of gambling and a psychostimulant drug, in 30 otherwise healthy pathological gamblers (PGs). To explore the roles of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in these relationships, subjects received either: D2 antagonist, haloperidol (3-mg) or D1-D2 antagonist, fluphenazine (3-mg), in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced design. On separate sessions, subjects played a 15-minute slot machine game and received d-amphetamine (AMPH; 20-mg, oral). Under placebo, Empathy correlated positively with Desire to Gamble (DTG) at all time-points in both groups. Haloperidol negated, whereas fluphenazine enhanced, the correlation between Empathy and pleasurable effects of the slot machine. Haloperidol enhanced, whereas fluphenazine attenuated, the correlation between Empathy and DTG under AMPH. Results suggest post- synaptic D2 receptors may mediate Empathy-related differences in Liking of gambling; D1 receptors may mediate Empathy-related differences in Wanting to gamble under AMPH in PGs. Low statistical power and restricted generalizability were limitations.
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