Abstract

CONTEXT
Serotonergic dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and recent animal models suggest that disturbances in serotonin type 1B receptor function, in particular, may contribute to chronic anxiety. However, the specific role of the serotonin type 1B receptor has not been studied in patients with PTSD.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate in vivo serotonin type 1B receptor expression in individuals with PTSD, trauma-exposed control participants without PTSD (TC), and healthy (non-trauma-exposed) control participants (HC) using positron emission tomography and the recently developed serotonin type 1B receptor selective radiotracer [(11)C]P943.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional positron emission tomography study under resting conditions.
SETTING
Academic and Veterans Affairs medical centers.
PARTICIPANTS
Ninety-six individuals in 3 study groups: PTSD (n = 49), TC (n = 20), and HC (n = 27). Main Outcome Measure  Regional [(11)C]P943 binding potential (BP(ND)) values in an a priori-defined limbic corticostriatal circuit investigated using multivariate analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS
A history of severe trauma exposure in the PTSD and TC groups was associated with marked reductions in [(11)C]P943 BP(ND) in the caudate, the amygdala, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Participant age at first trauma exposure was strongly associated with low [(11)C]P943 BP(ND). Developmentally earlier trauma exposure also was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity and major depression comorbidity.
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest an enduring effect of trauma history on brain function and the phenotype of PTSD. The association of early age at first trauma and more pronounced neurobiological and behavioral alterations in PTSD suggests a developmental component in the cause of PTSD.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Murrough JW, Czermak C, Henry S, Nabulsi N, Gallezot JD, Gueorguieva R, Planeta-Wilson B, Krystal JH, Neumaier JF, Huang Y, Ding YS, Carson RE, Neumeister A

Institution

Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, USA. alexander.neumeister@mssm.edu

Source

Archives of general psychiatry 68:9 2011 Sep pg 892-900

MeSH

Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Brain
Carbon Radioisotopes
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depressive Disorder, Major
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Piperazines
Positron-Emission Tomography
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Pyrrolidinones
Radioligand Assay
Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B
Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Antagonists
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Trauma Severity Indices
Wounds and Injuries

Pub Type(s)

Comparative Study
Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

21893657