ALTERED SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER SITES IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE RAPHE AND HIPPOCAMPUS

THIS study measured serotonin transporter (5-HTT) sites in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease (AD). 5-HTT sites were significantly decreased in the DRN in AD, with significant reductions occurring in the lateral wings of the DRN complex. A signi ficant reduction in 5-HTT sites were also observed in the CA(2) subfie ld of the hippocampus and in the entorhinal cortex in AD. The results indicate that the integrity of 5-HT neurons in the DRN may be compromi sed in AD, and that region specific alterations in 5-HTT sites may occ ur in the hippocampal complex in AD.