Measuring serotonin levels in the brain using a new technique.
Official title: Development of an innovative in vivo voltammetric technique for measurements of tonic serotonin concentrations in the mammalian brain.
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10993132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to measure serotonin levels in the brains of awake animals, which could help us better understand how serotonin affects brain function and behavior, making it useful for both research and medical purposes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $521,739 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129549-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with conditions influenced by serotonin levels, such as mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to serotonin or those who are not eligible for animal-based research will not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technique to measure serotonin concentrations in the brains of awake animals. The method, called N-shaped Multiple Cyclic Square Wave Voltammetry (N-MCSWV), aims to provide real-time, second-to-second measurements of serotonin levels, overcoming limitations of existing techniques that can only measure changes over longer periods. By improving spatial resolution and reducing tissue damage, this approach could enhance our understanding of serotonin's role in brain function and behavior. The research combines expertise in neuroscience, electrochemistry, and software development to create a reliable tool for both basic research and clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions related to serotonin dysregulation, such as depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced voltammetric techniques for neurochemical measurements, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Kendall H. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lee, Kendall H.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.