Cortical serotonin receptor binding was measured with positron-emission
tomography (PET) in uninjured regions of cortex in 26 stroke patients.
Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and
a neuropsychological test battery. Left frontal cortex serotonin binding
was correlated positively with MMSE total score (r = 0.50, P = 0.01) and
with the MMSE concentration, writing, and copying tasks (r = 0.42, 0.56,
0.53, respectively; P < 0.05). Tests of orientation and repetition of
difficult phrases were significantly correlated with serotonin binding (r =
0.53 and 0.52, respectively; P < 0.05). These findings suggest that
cognitive performance after stroke may be influenced by alterations in the
serotonergic system.Abstract Teaser