Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
05:14

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Published on: September 8, 2021

Decreased prefrontal 5-HT2A receptor binding in subjects at enhanced risk for schizophrenia

René Hurlemann1, Christian Boy, Philipp T Meyer

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. Rene.Hurlemann@ukb.uni-bonn.de

Anatomy and Embryology
|September 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Brain serotonin-2A receptors (5-HT(2A)R) are reduced in individuals at high risk for schizophrenia. This finding suggests early serotonergic neurotransmission abnormalities precede the disorder

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Radiology

Background:

  • The serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) is linked to schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug efficacy.
  • Limited data exists on 5-HT(2A)R status in schizophrenia's early stages and before antipsychotic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate 5-HT(2A)R availability in individuals at high risk for schizophrenia.
  • To determine if altered 5-HT(2A)R binding precedes schizophrenia onset.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot study utilizing [18F] altanserin and positron emission tomography (PET).
  • Compared 6 at-risk individuals with 7 age-matched controls.
  • Measured distribution volume ratios (DVRs) as a measure of 5-HT(2A)R availability.

Main Results:

  • Significantly reduced 5-HT(2A)R availability (DVRs) in prefrontal cortex regions of at-risk subjects.
  • Indicates early alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission.

Conclusions:

  • Prefrontal cortex 5-HT(2A)R availability is reduced in individuals at elevated risk for schizophrenia.
  • These findings suggest early serotonergic system abnormalities may precede the clinical manifestation of schizophrenia.

More Related Videos

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome08:49

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome

Published on: September 23, 2015

Identification of Dopamine D1-Alpha Receptor Within Rodent Nucleus Accumbens by an Innovative RNA In Situ Detection Technology07:25

Identification of Dopamine D1-Alpha Receptor Within Rodent Nucleus Accumbens by an Innovative RNA In Situ Detection Technology

Published on: March 27, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents01:21

Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents

Antipsychotic drugs are classified into first-generation (typical) drugs including phenothiazines; and second-generation (atypical) drugs. Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine), a phenothiazine derivative, broadly impacts the central, autonomic, and endocrine systems. This drug, along with typical agents like haloperidol (Haldol), primarily works by antagonizing D2 receptors, thus reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission. However, typical antipsychotics can cause side effects such as sedation...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
G-protein Coupled Receptors01:21

G-protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents01:23

Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance01:23

Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance

The elimination half-life and drug clearance of drugs following nonlinear kinetics can vary with dosage. The Michaelis-Menten parameters and drug concentration influence these factors. As the dose increases, the elimination half-life tends to lengthen, resulting in a reduction in clearance and a disproportionately larger area under the curve. The total clearance can be derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation for drugs following a one-compartment model.
A study on guinea pigs examined the...