Detection of a high turnover serotonin circuit in the mouse brain using mass spectrometry imaging

Summary

A research group of Yuki Sugiura mapped the content of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) in the whole mouse brain using an advanced technique of mass spectrometry imaging. The brain atlas generated by direct detection of monoamines is presented for the first time. The research group newly identified several brain nuclei with an accumulation of monoamines. In particular, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, which is associated with regulation of fear response or anxiety, was identified as a rare nucleus that contains high levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. The nucleus was suggested to be an important nucleus connecting serotonin and norepinephrine systems. 

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