Brain Serotonin Transporter Binding Potential Measured With Carbon11–Labeled DASB Positron Emission Tomography

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Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) may be abnormally regulated during major depressiveepisodes (MDE) due to major depressive disorder. This assertion is based largelyon abnormalities of serotonin turnover during MDE. For example, the levelof the cerebrospinal fluid metabolite of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleaceticacid, is often low during MDE, especially when suicidal ideation is present.1,2 Prolactin release is increased afteradministration of fenfluramine, a 5-HT–releasing drug, and it has beenobserved that the prolactin release after fenfluramine administration is attenuatedduring MDE.3,4 A role for serotoninto modulate mood has been proposed, because mood lowering after tryptophandepletion is often observed in subjects with either a family history of depressiveepisodes or a history of depressive episodes.5,6