Serotonin (5-HT)1B autoreceptors are localized in the axon terminals of serotonergic neurons and provide feedback inhibition of serotonin synthesis and release. However, 5-HT1B receptors are expressed in many neuron types, making pharmacological analysis nearly unable to discern which populations produce a particular behavioral or physiological effect. This has led to confusion about their role in depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with impaired serotonergic neurotransmission. Most 5-HT fibers projecting to regions involved in these functions arise from the dorsal (DRN) or median (MRN) raphe nuclei, but there is considerable uncertainty as to how 5-HT release from these nuclei is controlled in disease states. We have been using viral gene transfer to examine the effects of DRN 5-HT1B over-expression on stress-sensitivity in two anxiety-related behaviors - open field test (OFT) and elevated-plus maze (EPM). In agreement with previous results showing increased DRN 5-HT1B expression in learned helpless rats, we found 5-HT1B overexpression in DRM increases anxiety behaviors. I propose to extend these studies to examine effects of 5-HT1B overexpression in the MRN, where I anticipate increased magnitude of EPM effects due to the involvement of MRN in benzodiazepine actions in this assay. To further establish the role of increased 5-HT1B autoreceptor expression in these effects, I will determine if SB-224289, a 5-HT1B antagonist reverses them. Finally. I will examine the effects of a key modulator of stress, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), on 5-HT1B expression in the DRN. Since DRN and amygdala are reciprocally connected via 5-HT and CRF, investigating the functional relationship between CRF and 5-HT1B autoreceptors may help explain the interactions that these brain regions have in fear and anxiety behaviors. CRF has complex effects on 5-HT release from DRN projections, perhaps because both CRF receptors (R1 and R2) are expressed in DRN. CRF-R1 appears to inhibit 5-HT release, while CRF-R2 is excitatory. We propose to investigate the effect of subchronic infusion of selective CRF agonists into DRN on 5-HT1B mRNA regulation and anxiety behaviors. Chronic R1 activation should accordingly decrease 5-HT1B expression in DRN while increasing anxiety related behavior, while chronic R2 activation should produce the opposite effects.
| Clark, M S; McDevitt, R A; Hoplight, B J et al. (2007) Chronic low dose ovine corticotropin releasing factor or urocortin II into the rostral dorsal raphe alters exploratory behavior and serotonergic gene expression in specific subregions of the dorsal raphe. Neuroscience 146:1888-905 |
| Clark, Michael S; McDevitt, Ross A; Neumaier, John F (2006) Quantitative mapping of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and serotonin transporter expression across the anteroposterior axis of the rat dorsal and median raphe nuclei. J Comp Neurol 498:611-23 |
| Clark, Michael S; Vincow, Evelyn S; Sexton, Timothy J et al. (2004) Increased expression of 5-HT1B receptor in dorsal raphe nucleus decreases fear-potentiated startle in a stress dependent manner. Brain Res 1007:86-97 |
| Clark, Michael S; Kaiyala, Karl J (2003) Role of corticotropin-releasing factor family peptides and receptors in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Semin Clin Neuropsychiatry 8:119-36 |
