Neuroimaging and Neurotransmitter Dynamics in Depression
Summary
Major depressive disorder is characterised by altered brain structure, connectivity and chemical signalling. Neuroimaging modalities have elucidated structural atrophy in prefrontal and limbic regions and disrupted functional networks implicated in mood regulation. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) permit in vivo quantification of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, revealing dysregulation in serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. Functional MRI studies of blood-oxygen-level-dependent signals demonstrate aberrant connectivity within the default mode, salience and executive networks. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy offers insights into glutamate and GABA concentrations in cortical and subcortical areas. Recent advances integrate multimodal imaging with pharmacological challenges to probe neurotransmitter dynamics, paving the way for biomarker-driven stratification and personalised treatment strategies. Translational research in animal models complements human studies by linking receptor occupancy and synaptic protein alterations to behaviour. Collectively, neuroimaging of chemical signalling in depression provides mechanistic understanding of treatment response, guides dose optimisation and identifies novel therapeutic targets.
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Neuroimaging and Neurotransmitter Dynamics in Depression publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in neuroimaging and neurotransmitter dynamics in depression across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Positron emission tomography (PET): Imaging technique that measures in vivo distribution of radioactively labelled tracers to quantify receptor and transporter binding.
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): Nuclear imaging modality using gamma-emitting radiotracers to assess regional neurotransmitter system function.
Binding potential (BP): A semi-quantitative measure of receptor or transporter density and affinity derived from PET or SPECT data.
Transporter occupancy: The percentage of transporters bound by a pharmacological agent, indicating target engagement.
Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal: Contrast in functional MRI reflecting changes in deoxyhaemoglobin related to neuronal activity.
Radioligand: A radioactive compound that selectively binds to a specific receptor or transporter for imaging purposes.
References
- The utility of PET imaging in depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024).
- The relationship between dose and serotonin transporter occupancy of antidepressants—a systematic review. Molecular Psychiatry (2021).
- Occupancy of Norepinephrine Transporter by Duloxetine in Human Brains Measured by Positron Emission Tomography with (S,S)-[18F]FMeNER-D2. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (2017).
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