Serotonin receptor imaging by 18F-PET

Abstract The serotonergic system plays a key modulatory role in the brain. This system is critical in many drug developments for brain disorders via interactions with the 14 subtypes of 5-HT receptors or through reuptake blockade. Positron emission tomography (PET) is an efficient tool for in vivo studies of physiological and pathological processes. Because of its pertinent radiochemical properties, fluorine-18 is one of the most used radioisotopes in PET imaging. This chapter will propose an overview of the 18F-radioligands targeting serotonin receptors, which have been developed over the last few years. Both radiosyntheses and pharmacological properties of these radiotracers will be described, with a specific emphasis on their potential medical applications.