Mirtazapine antagonises the subjective, hormonal and neuronal effects of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) infusion: A pharmacological-challenge fMRI (phMRI) study

► The 5-HT2C agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) was given i.v. to human subjects. ► Investigated affect of pre-treatment with a 5-HT2C antagonist, mirtazapine. ► The mCPP-induced subjective and hormonal responses were attenuated. ► The mCPP-induced BOLD responses were attenuated in areas rich with 5-HT2C. ► mCPP-challenge phMRI patterns of response are mediated by 5-HT2C receptors.