Study and Manipulation of Neurotransmitter Function in Humans

Measuring and manipulating neurotransmitter function in man. Methods for determining the possible malfunction of a particular neurotransmitter in a CNS disorder are described and evaluated. These include measuring the levels of the neurotransmitter or its metabolites in body fluids, those levels or the number of its receptors in PM brain tissue and brain imaging with particular reference to PET. Animal models in which the equivalent of a human disorder has been produced by lesions, pharmacological manipulation of neurotransmitter or genetic breeding are also considered. The approaches by which alterations in the synthesis, storage, release, actions and destruction of a particular neurotransmitter can be achieved to therapeutic advantage in man are then critically analysed and the conditions under which such approaches could be successful are considered.