PET scan of brain with schizophrenia

Credit: CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Caption: Schizophrenia. PET Positron Emission Tomography) scan of an axial section of the brain of a person suffering untreated schizophrenia. The use of the radioactive tracer "methionine" (an amino acid) injected into the body, shows protein synthesis in the brain. The tracer appears red, with frontal lobes of the brain (at top) appearing deficient; more red areas of protein synthesis would be expected in this area in a normal brain. In schizophrenia, changes in mood are typical. The neurotransmitter "serotonin" is one chemical made in the frontal lobes of the brain which controls moods. Low protein synthesis & abnormal serotonin levels may be associated with schizophrenia.

Release details: Model release not required. Property release not required.

Keywords: brain, condition, disease, disorder, healthcare, medical, medicine, mental illness, neuroimaging, pet scan, schizo, schizophrenia, serotonin

Licence fees: A licence fee will be charged for any media (low or high resolution) used in your project.