Effects of water restriction on social behavior and 5-HT neurons density in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei in mice

We explored here the hypothesis that temporary chronic water restriction in mice affects social behavior, via its action on density of 5-HT neurons dorsal and median raphe nuclei (DRN MRN). For that, we submitted adult C57BL/6 J to mild controlled dehydration, i.e., 6 h access every 48 for 15 days. investigated their behavior a interaction task known allow free reciprocal contact. Results showed dehydration increases significantly time spent contact dominance. It also expands neuron within both DRN MRN behavioral neuronal plasticity were positively correlated. Our findings suggest disturbance neurotransmission caused by stress unbalances choice processes animals context.