Purpose: The opioid system role in anorexia nervosa (AN) pathophysiology is still unclear since conflicting results were reported on peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid opioids levels. The study main aim was to evaluate cerebral AN opiate receptor availability by using [C] diprenorphine, a ligand with non-selective binding.
Methods: In vivo [C]diprenorphine cerebral non-displaceable binding potential (BP) evaluated by PET imaging was compared between three groups : 17 undernourished restrictive-type AN patients (LeanAN), 15 AN patients having regained normal weight (RecAN) and 15 controls.