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Updated: May 29, 2026
11:27
The Use of Pharmacological-challenge fMRI in Pre-clinical Research: Application to the 5-HT System
Published on: April 25, 2012
Serotonin and molecular neuroimaging in humans using PET
Anne Saulin1, Markus Savli, Rupert Lanzenberger
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
Amino Acids
|September 28, 2011
Summary
The human brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The serotonergic system is a crucial modulatory neurotransmitter system in the human brain.
- It influences physiological processes and is linked to psychiatric disorders.
- This system is phylogenetically ancient and highly diverse, featuring 14 identified serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamin, 5-HT) receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distribution and functions of serotonin receptors and related proteins in the human brain.
- To summarize the roles of the serotonin transporter (SERT, 5-HTT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2, monoamine oxidase type A, and 5-HT synthesis.
- To describe recent advances in quantifying these elements in vivo using positron emission tomography.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on the serotonergic system.
- Synthesis of information on receptor distribution and physiological functions.
- Description of positron emission tomography (PET) techniques for in vivo quantification.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of the 14 identified serotonin (5-HT) receptors and their diverse functions.
- Summary of the roles of key proteins including SERT, VMAT2, and MAO-A.
- Highlighting advancements in PET imaging for serotonergic system components.
Conclusions:
- The serotonergic system's complexity necessitates further research into its receptor functions.
- Understanding the serotonergic system is vital for addressing psychiatric disorders.
- In vivo PET quantification offers new avenues for studying this system.
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