5-HT1A Receptor Binding is Increased After Recovery from Bulimia Nervosa Compared to Control Women and is Associated with Behavioral Inhibition in Both Groups

Objective: Because altered serotonin (5-HT) function appears to persist after recovery from bulimia nervosa (RBN), we investigated the 5-HT1A receptor, which could contribute to regulation of appetite, mood, impulse control, or the response to antidepressants. Method: Thirteen RBN individuals were compared to 21 healthy control women (CW) using positron emission tomography and [carbonyl-C-11]WAY100635 ([C-11]WAY). Results: RBN had a 23-34% elevation of [C-11]WAY binding potential (BP)(P) in subgenual cingulate, mesial temporal, and parietal regions after adjustments for multiple comparisons. For CW, [C-11]WAY BPP was related negatively to novelty seeking, whereas for RBN, [C-11]WAY BPP was related positively to harm avoidance and negatively related to sensation seeking. Discussion: Alterations of 5-HT1A receptor function may provide new insight into efficacy of 5-HT medication in BN, as well as symptoms such as the ability to inhibit or self-control the expression of behaviors related to stimulus seeking, aggression, and impulsivity. (C) 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.