Question

1. Individuals with clinical depression are found to have lower levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the synapse. Zoloft is a commonly prescribed anti-depressant therapy. What is possible mechanism for how Zoloft functions to treat clinical depression.

A) Zoloft acts as an activator of serotonin re-uptake receptors

B) Zoloft acts as an inhibitor of the serotonin post-synaptic receptor protein

C) Zoloft acts as an inhibitor of serotonin re-uptake receptors

D) Zoloft drives silencing of the gene encoding the serotonin post-synaptic receptor protein

E) Zoloft acts as an activator of expression of the gene encoding the serotonin re-uptake receptor

Answer 1

In this context, Zoloft also called sertraline is able to inhibit the serotonin reuptake by binding to the serotonin transporter (SERT). This will lead to the increase of the extracellular concentration of serotonin, allowing the serotonergic neurotransmission. So, the correct answer is C) Zoloft acts as an inhibitor of serotonin re-uptake receptors