Neuromodulation of frontal and temporal cortex by intravenous d-fenfluramine: an [15O]H2O PET study in humans

Neurosci Lett. 1996 Mar 22;207(1):25-8. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(96)12479-4.

Abstract

This study assessed the modulatory effect of a serotonergic agonist, d-fenfluramine, on localized neuronal firing as indexed by changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Previously, we reported the effect of oral d, l-fenfluramine on neuronal activity as measured by change in [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Improvements in the current study include: a more specific serotonin agonist, d-fenfluramine; a more reliable administration route, intravenous; and a one session paradigm made possible with the radiotracer [15O]H2O. Changes in relative rCBF (P < 0.001) were observed: increases within the frontal cortex bilaterally and decreases within the temporal cortex bilaterally, and left thalamus. Other significant findings were elevated cortisol and growth hormone; increased euphoria and panic symptoms and decreased tiredness. These results support further investigation with intravenous d-fenfluramine to study the net functional effects of serotonergic stimulation in health and illness.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Behavior / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / pharmacology*
  • Frontal Lobe / blood supply
  • Frontal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Frontal Lobe / drug effects*
  • Growth Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Oxygen Radioisotopes
  • Serotonin Agents / pharmacology*
  • Temporal Lobe / blood supply
  • Temporal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Temporal Lobe / drug effects*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed

Substances

  • Oxygen Radioisotopes
  • Serotonin Agents
  • Fenfluramine
  • Growth Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone