Self-transcendence trait and its relationship with in vivo serotonin transporter availability in brainstem raphe nuclei: An ultra-high resolution PET-MRI study.
Jong-Hoon Kim, Young-Don Son, Jeong-Hee Kim, Eun-Jung Choi, Sang-Yoon Lee, Yo-Han Joo, Young-Bo Kim, Zang-Hee Cho
Brain Research December 10, 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.10.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional neuroimaging study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Healthy human subjects |
| Measures | Temperament and Character Inventory, [(11)C]DASB binding potential (BPND) |
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Magnetic resonance imaging Positron emission tomography Raphe nucleus Self-transcendence Serotonin transporter 11cdasb |
| Key findings | Self-transcendence total scores showed a significant negative correlation with [(11)C]DASB binding potential in the caudal raphe (R5), and the spiritual acceptance subscale showed a significant negative correlation with binding potential in the median raphe nucleus (R2). The authors suggest the serotonin system may serve as an important biological basis for self-transcendence. |
Abstract
Self-transcendence is an inherent human personality trait relating to the experience of spiritual aspects of the self. We examined the relationship between self-transcendence and serotonin transporter (SERT) availability in brainstem raphe nuclei, which are collections of five different serotonergic nuclei with rostro-caudal extension, using ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) with (11)C-3-amino-4-(2-dimethylaminomethylphenylthio)benzonitrile ([(11)C]DASB) to elucidate potential roles of serotonergic neuronal activities in this personality trait. Sixteen healthy subjects completed 7.0T MRI and High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT) PET. The regions of interest (ROIs) included the dorsal raphe nucleus (R1), median raphe nucleus (R2), raphe pontis (R3), and the caudal raphe nuclei (R4 and R5). For the estimation of SERT availability, the binding potential (BPND) was derived using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM2). The Temperament and Character Inventory was used to measure self-transcendence. The analysis revealed that the self-transcendence total score had a significant negative correlation with the [(11)C]DASB BPND in the caudal raphe (R5). The subscale score for spiritual acceptance was significantly negatively correlated with the [(11)C]DASB BPND in the median raphe nucleus (R2). The results indicate that the self-transcendence trait is associated with SERT availability in specific raphe subnuclei, suggesting that the serotonin system may serve as an important biological basis for human self-transcendence. Based on the connections of these nuclei with cortico-limbic and visceral autonomic structures, the functional activity of these nuclei and their related neural circuitry may play a crucial role in the manifestation of self-transcendence.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on serotonin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Healthy human volunteers | 1998 | Experimental study | |
| Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin | 2000 | Experimental study | |
| Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) cause selective ablation of serotonergic axon terminals in forebrain: immunocytochemical evidence for neurotoxicity Rat brain | 1988 | Experimental study | |
| The molecular mechanism of "ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)]: serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release. Human platelet plasma membrane vesicles and bovine adrenal chromaffin granule membrane... | 1992 | Laboratory study | |
| 5-HT2AReceptor-Mediated Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor mRNA in the Hippocampus and the Neocortex Rat brain | 1997 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Neural Correlates of Personalized Spiritual Experiences Cerebral Cortex May 14, 2018
- Trait Openness and serotonin 2A receptors in healthy volunteers: A positron emission tomography study Human Brain Mapping January 11, 2019
- Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding and self-transcendence in healthy control subjects-a replication study using Bayesian hypothesis testing. PeerJ 2018
- Serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor binding and self-transcendence in healthy control subjects - a replication study using Bayesian hypothesis testing bioRxiv November 30, 2017
- Genetic Correlates of Spirituality/Religion and Depression: A Study in Offspring and Grandchildren at High and Low Familial Risk for Depression. Spirituality in Clinical Practice March 1, 2017
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