Up-regulation of hippocampal serotonin metabolism in mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

A compensatory mechanism illustrated by an up-regulation of serotonergic metabolism has been shown at the stage of amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) in contrast with a dramatic decrease at later stages of Alzheimer disease (AD). This difference of hippocampus serotonergic receptor labeling allows distinguishing of patients with aMCI from those with mild AD. Exploring 5-HT(1A) receptors with 2'-methoxyphenyl-(N-2'-pyridinyl)-p-(18)F-fluoro-benzamidoethylpiperazine PET seems to be of interest for better understanding pathophysiologic changes at early stages of AD.