Decreased prefrontal 5-HT2A receptor binding in subjects at enhanced risk for schizophrenia

Anat Embryol (Berl). 2005 Dec;210(5-6):519-23. doi: 10.1007/s00429-005-0036-2.

Abstract

The brain serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) has been implicated in both the pathology of schizophrenia and the therapeutic action of atypical antipsychotics. However, little is known about the 5-HT(2A)R status before the onset of schizophrenia and before the exposure to antipsychotics. We used [18F] altanserin and positron emission tomography (PET) in a pilot study of 6 individuals suspected to be at elevated risk for schizophrenia and seven age-matched controls to test the hypothesis that regional 5-HT(2A)R binding is altered in the prodromal stages of schizophrenia. Distribution volume ratios (DVRs) as a proxy for 5-HT(2A)R availability were significantly reduced in prefrontal cortex regions of at-risk subjects, implicating early abnormalities of serotonergic neurotransmission that antecede the onset of schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Ketanserin / analogs & derivatives
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prefrontal Cortex / chemistry
  • Prefrontal Cortex / diagnostic imaging
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / pathology
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / analysis
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism*
  • Schizophrenia / pathology

Substances

  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • altanserin
  • Ketanserin