Molecular neuroimaging of the serotonergic system with Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract Positron emission tomography enables to quantify protein expression and to visualize physiological processes in vivo based on the measurement of highly specific radioligands bound to the target molecule of interest. While medications targeting the serotonergic neurotransmitter system are widely used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, imaging of molecular changes using PET allowed for the elucidation of the contribution of this neurotransmitter system to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the basic measurement principles and available radioligands and demonstrate applications in basic and clinical research.