Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:49
Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
Relationship between neuroticism personality trait and serotonin transporter binding
Akihiro Takano1, Ryosuke Arakawa, Mika Hayashi
1Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
Biological Psychiatry
|March 6, 2007
Summary
Higher serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding in the thalamus is linked to increased neuroticism and depressive feelings in men. This thalamic 5-HTT binding may indicate vulnerability to depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Personality traits are significant factors in depression vulnerability.
- Previous research explored links between serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene polymorphism and anxiety-related personality traits.
- This study examines the relationship between in vivo brain 5-HTT binding and personality measures in healthy males.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between regional serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding in the brain and personality inventory scores.
- To explore potential neurobiological markers for depression vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans using (11)C-labeled 3-amino-4-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-phenylsulfanyl) benzonitrile ([(11)C]DASB) to measure 5-HTT binding.
- Administration of the revised NEO Personality Inventory to 31 healthy male volunteers.
- Correlation analysis of [(11)C]DASB binding potentials (BP) with personality measures using region-of-interest analysis and statistical parametric mapping.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between neuroticism and 5-HTT binding in the thalamus (p = .004).
- No other brain regions showed significant correlations.
- Within the neuroticism dimension, the depression facet was positively correlated with thalamic 5-HTT binding (p = .001).
Conclusions:
- Elevated 5-HTT binding in the thalamus is associated with higher levels of neuroticism and depressive feelings.
- Thalamic serotonin transporter binding may serve as a potential biomarker for depression vulnerability.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
01:21G-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.
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and Emotional...
Neuroticism and Emotional...
01:21Drugs 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...
01:17Traits and States
Personality traits represent consistent patterns in behavior, thoughts, and emotions, reflecting an individual's tendencies across various situations. For example, extraversion, a well-known trait, manifests in individuals as talkative, energetic, and enthusiastic behaviors. These traits are stable over time, offering a reliable framework for predicting how people might act in different contexts. However, they do not define every moment of an individual's life. In contrast to traits, states are...
01:29Five-Factor Theory of Personality
The five-factor model, often called the Big Five personality traits, is widely accepted in psychology as a comprehensive framework for understanding personality. These five traits — Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism — are often remembered using the acronym OCEAN.
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...