Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Signal Attenuation as a Rat Model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Published on: January 9, 2015
Reduced midbrain-pons serotonin transporter binding in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
S G Hasselbalch1, E S Hansen, T B Jakobsen
1Neurobiology Research Unit, The Neuroscience Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. sgh@rh.dk
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients show reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the brainstem compared to controls. This suggests impaired serotonin regulation in OCD pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Serotonin system dysfunction is a leading hypothesis in OCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in OCD patients.
- To evaluate the role of the serotonin system in OCD pathophysiology using SPECT imaging.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients meeting DMS-III-R criteria for OCD were studied.
- Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with (123)I-beta-CIT tracer was used.
- Serotonin transporter binding potential (BP2) was quantified.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in SERT binding potential was observed in the midbrain-pons of OCD patients compared to controls.
- No correlation was found between SERT binding and clinical variables like age at onset or disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest reduced serotonergic input to fronto-subcortical circuits in OCD.
- This may indicate diminished inhibitory regulation by serotonin in OCD patients.
More Related Videos
06:26Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI)
Published on: November 27, 2019
09:14Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
G-protein Coupled Receptors
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs