Project Summary

Johannes Tauscher, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2002) of University of Vienna, will investigate 5-HT1A receptors in patients with anxiety disorders by means of positron emission tomography (PET) and [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635 to quantitatively analyze them.  He will compare the 5-HT1A receptor density in patients with anxiety disorders to that of a healthy control group.  Communication between brain cells or signal transduction can occur chemically through neurotransmitter substances, which act on specific protein structures--the neurotransmitter receptors.  The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), in particular 5-HT1A receptors play a role in modulating anxiety.  Dr. Tauscher hypothesizes that patients with anxiety disorders will show a lower 5-HT1A receptor density than healthy controls.  This research will explore the molecular biological basis of anxiety disorders.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS

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