Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator used in the control of aggression, movement, and gut motility in vertebrates and invertebrates. In the past few years, serotonin has been found to be """"""""borrowed"""""""" rather than synthesized by some central and peripheral neurons in vertebrates. Recent results indicate that a set of 60 neurons that innervate the hindgut of crayfish employ serotonin as a neurotransmitter. Instead of synthesizing serotonin, however, these hindgut neurons (HGNs) appear to """"""""borrow"""""""" serotonin by taking it up from external sources. These uptake mechanisms appear to be under the control of exteroceptive and proprioceptive sensory input. The overall goal of this research is to investigate the mechanisms that underlie this """"""""borrowed transmitter"""""""" phenomenon in craylish, and to determine how it contributes to the control of serotonergic modulation in the crayfish. Specifically, the proposed research will determine quantitatively whether serotonin is preferentially borrowed or synthesized by the HGNs. The mechanisms that govern borrowing, including those that controi the supply of serotonin made available in the vicinity of the HGNs by external sources, and those that control serotonin uptake and release by the HGNs, will be investigated. The use to which serotonin is put by the HGNs will be determined, as will the effects of serotonin uptake on other adjacent and well-studied serotonergic systems, including those that modulate posture and escape.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH062167-04
Application #
6657447
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-5 (02))
Program Officer
Asanuma, Chiiko
Project Start
2000-08-10
Project End
2005-07-31
Budget Start
2003-08-01
Budget End
2004-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$214,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgia State University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
837322494
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30302
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Song, Cha-Kyong; Johnstone, Laurel M; Schmidt, Manfred et al. (2007) Social domination increases neuronal survival in the brain of juvenile crayfish Procambarus clarkii. J Exp Biol 210:1311-24
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