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Age-related decline in central serotonin transporter availability with [(123)I]beta-CIT SPECT
C H van Dyck1, R T Malison, J P Seibyl
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. christopher.vandyck@yale.edu
Neurobiology of Aging
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Aging significantly reduces serotonin transporter (SERT) availability in the living human brain. This study found a decrease in SERT binding sites with increasing age, impacting neurotransmitter regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Postmortem studies on aging effects on central serotonin transporter (SERT) have yielded limited and conflicting data.
- Understanding age-related changes in SERT is crucial for comprehending neurobiological shifts throughout the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of age on SERT availability in the human brainstem and diencephalon using in vivo imaging.
- To quantify the age-related decline in central SERT binding sites.
Main Methods:
- Employed single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the radioligand [(123)I]2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([(123)I]beta-CIT).
- Studied 126 healthy subjects aged 18–88 years.
- Calculated SERT availability (V(3)″) as a ratio of specific to nondisplaceable brain uptake.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between SERT availability (V(3)″) and age (r = -0.40, P < 0.0001).
- Linear regression indicated a 29.5% decline in V(3)″ from age 18 to 88, averaging approximately 4.2% per decade.
- These findings demonstrate a clear reduction in central SERT binding sites with advancing age in living individuals.
Conclusions:
- Age is associated with a significant reduction in central serotonin transporter availability in living humans.
- The study provides quantitative evidence of age-related decline in SERT binding potential in the brainstem and diencephalon.
- These findings have implications for understanding age-related changes in serotonergic neurotransmission.