Developmental Changes in [3H]Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ([3H]LSD) Binding to Serotonin Receptors in the Human Brainstem
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology January 1, 1996 Nataša Zec, James J. Filiano, Ashok Panigrahy et al. 31 citations
Serotonin receptor binding in the human brainstem peaks before birth, then declines sharply by infancy, especially in regions controlling cardiovascular function, respiration, and pain. Using [3H]LSD autoradiography on brainstem tissue from 5 fetuses (19-25.5 weeks postconception), 5 infants (42-55.5 weeks postconception), and 3 mature individuals (4, 20, and 52 years), the highest binding occurred prenatally throughout the brainstem, with the rostral raphe showing the highest relative binding at all ages. This fetal peak suggests serotonin plays a trophic role in developing human brainstem, and the subsequent decrease indicates reduced serotonergic modulation of vegetative functions after birth.