Molecular imaging of the human emotion circuit

Abstract

Emotions modulate behavioural priorities at the central and peripheral nervous system. Understanding emotions from the perspective of specific neurotransmitter systems is critical, because the central role of affect in multiple psychopathologies, and the role of specific neuroreceptor systems as corresponding drug targets. Here we provide an integrative overview of molecular imaging studies that have targeted the human emotion circuit at the level of specific neuroreceptors and transmitters. We focus specifically on opioid, dopamine and serotonin system given their key role in modulating motivation and emotions, and discuss how they contribute to both healthy and pathological emotions.