ABSTRACT
In this chapter discussion will be limited to two types of brain receptor, the dopamine D2 receptor and the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
Investigating diagnostic specificity: measurements of DOPA uptake in schizophrenia and depression
The presynaptic metabolism of the dopamine precursor, DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine), can be investigated with PET. A Finnish team first demonstrated an increase in the presynaptic metabolism of DOPA in some schizophrenic patients (Hietela et al, 1995). In addition, a US group showed an abnormally increased release of dopamine in schizophrenic patients in response to administration of a dose of amphetamine, which transiently aggravated the productive (positive) symptoms of schizophrenia (Laruelle et al, 1996).
