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Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Low brain serotonin transporter binding in major depressive disorder
Andrew B Newberg1, Jay D Amsterdam, Nancy Wintering
1Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. andrew.newberg@jefferson.edu
Psychiatry Research
|June 16, 2012
Summary
Major depressive disorder is associated with lower serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in key brain regions. This finding suggests reduced SERT availability may serve as a biomarker for depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition.
- Serotonin transporter (SERT) plays a crucial role in regulating mood.
- Previous studies suggest altered SERT levels in depression, but regional specificity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify serotonin transporter (SERT) distribution volume ratio (DVR) in specific brain regions of individuals with MDD compared to healthy controls.
- To investigate the potential of SERT binding as a biomarker for depression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the radioligand [(123)I]-ADAM.
- Acquired SPECT scans from 20 drug-free depressed subjects and 10 drug-free healthy volunteers.
- Measured SERT DVR in the midbrain, medial temporal lobe, and basal ganglia.
Main Results:
- Depressed subjects showed significantly lower SERT DVR in the midbrain, bilateral medial temporal lobe, and bilateral basal ganglia compared to healthy controls.
- Lower SERT DVR values effectively distinguished between depressed and non-depressed individuals in these regions.
- Findings confirm previous observations of reduced SERT binding in depression.
Conclusions:
- Reduced SERT binding in specific brain areas is a characteristic feature of major depressive disorder.
- Lower SERT availability may serve as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for depression.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.
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