Human Cerebral Blood Flow and Serotonin

Breathing, blood pressure, and blood flow into the brain are controlled - in part - by small areas in the brainstem; the central chemoreceptors. The mechanisms involved in the transmission of signals through the brainstem and also in controlling brain blood flow past the brainstem both use a molecule called serotonin. Citalopram is a "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" (or SSRI) which means it allows serotonin to be released in the brain but stops it from being reabsorbed. SSRIs are often used as antidepressants. This study aims to investigate the influence of an SSRI on the control of brain blood flow.