In the second and third sessions, subjects received infusions of alcohol or placebo in counter-balanced order while undergoing a PET scan with [11C]-raclopride (GE Advance Tomograph, Waukesha, WI). An 8-min transmission scan was first acquired with 2 rotating rod sources for the purpose of attenuation correction. Next, a 10 mCi dose of [15O]-water was administered over 1 min through an IV line to assess regional perfusion and co-register the PET image with a brain MRI obtained from the subject during a separate visit. Following this, the infusion (6% v/v ethanol or normal saline) was started. At 15 min after the start of the infusion, a 12 mCi dose of [11C]-raclopride was administered over 1 min. Dynamic PET scans began with the [11C]-raclopride injection and continued for 90 min. A schematic of the PET sessions is shown in Figure 1D.
