Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Serotonergic Neuron Activity is Necessary for the Manifestation of the Antidepressant Effect of Ketamine

Abstract —The mechanisms of the ketamine antidepressant effects observed in humans and laboratory animals are not fully understood. To further clarify role brain serotonergic (5-HT) activity action drugs, optogenetic inhibition 5-HT neurons rat dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was applied. In control animals, a subanesthetic dose alleviated their depressive-like behavior tail suspension test. Inhibition abolished drug effect moreover, sedative response to found under these conditions. Furthermore, suppression prevented increase c-Fos expression induced by both light-sensitive other DRN neurons. The data emphasize key neuron rapid effect.