Effect of Shutong'an Capsule on Blood Monoamine Neurotransmitter in Heroin Dependent Patients

Objective: To investigate the changes of monoamine neurotransmitter level in plasma and platelet after treatment with Shutong'an Capsule (STAC) in heroin addicts. Methods: 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA and NE were determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The plasma and platelet were collected from the heroin addicts (35 cases by injecting and 21 by smoking) and compared with 23 samples of normal controls. Results: The plasma levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA and NE were higher in heroin addicts compared with normal controls, and reduced after treatment with STAC. The plasma levels of 5-HIAA, DA were lower and NE were higher in smoking heroin addicts than that of injecting drug users. The platelet levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA and NE were significantly higher in heroin addicts and reduced after treatment with STAC. The platelet levels of 5-HT, DA were lower and after treatment with STAC DA, 5-HT and NE levels were higher in smoking addicts than injecting drug users. Conclusion: The monoamine neurotransmitter might play an important role in the pathogenesis of heroin dependence. STAC could regulate the monoamine levels in heroin addicts.