Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
08:49

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

Published on: September 23, 2015

8.9K

Serotonin Transporter mRNA Expression Is Reduced in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Subjects with Major

Gaël Villanueva-Charbonneau1,2, Stéphane Potvin2,3, Serge Marchand4

  • 1Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada.

Brain Sciences
|October 28, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA expression is persistently reduced in major depression disorder (MDD) but not fibromyalgia (FM). Drug treatments did not alter SERT mRNA levels in these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fibromyalgia (FM) and major depression disorder (MDD) frequently co-occur, potentially sharing serotonergic alterations.
  • Evidence for serotonergic alterations in FM is limited, and their persistence over time is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine changes in serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals with FM, MDD, or both, compared to controls.
  • To evaluate the impact of drug treatment on SERT expression in these groups.

Main Methods:

  • PBMCs were isolated from FM, MDD, FM + MDD, and control subjects.
  • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze SERT mRNA expression.
  • Statistical analyses included analyses of variance and linear mixed-effects models.

Main Results:

  • SERT mRNA expression was significantly reduced in MDD subjects compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • No significant reduction in SERT mRNA expression was observed in FM or FM + MDD subjects.
  • Drug treatments improved symptoms but did not significantly affect SERT mRNA expression.

Conclusions:

  • The findings support a role for SERT in the pathophysiology of MDD, but not FM.
  • Decreased SERT mRNA expression appears to be a persistent characteristic in MDD, not a transient one.
Keywords:
dopamine transporterfibromyalgiamajor depressionquetiapineserotonin transporter

More Related Videos

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices07:56

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices

Published on: August 11, 2021

3.3K
Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram12:21

Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram

Published on: November 27, 2016

15.2K

Related Concept Videos

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.
120.0K
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...
254
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs01:28

Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
410
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
138
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
104
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
256