With the aim of exploring the relationship between the serotonin transporter (5-HTT or SERT) and the activity level of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission, in vivo expression of this protein was specifically altered using a nonviral DNA transfer method. Plasmids containing the entire coding sequence or a partial antisense sequence of the 5-HTT gene were complexed with the cationic polymer polyet...

Aggression and cannibalism in laying hens can differ in intensity and degree due to many factors, including genetics. Previous behavioral analysis of 2 strains of White Leghorns, DeKalb XL (DXL) and HGPS (a group-selected line for high group productivity and survivability), revealed high and low aggressive phenotypes, respectively. However, the exact genetic mechanisms mediating aggressiveness ...

In this issue, Bruchas et al. (2011) uncover a novel stress-induced p38α MAPK signaling cascade within serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus that mediates depressive and drug-seeking behaviors. Their findings have potentially important implications for medication development.

Brainstem median raphe (MR) neurons expressing the serotonergic regulator gene Pet1 send collateralized projections to forebrain regions modulate affective, memory-related, and circadian behaviors. Some express a surprisingly incomplete battery of serotonin pathway genes, with somata lacking transcripts for tryptophan hydroxylase 2 ( Tph2 ) encoding rate-limiting enzyme [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-...

Although exogenous serotonin at the hypoglossal motor nucleus (HMN) activates the genioglossus muscle, endogenous serotonin plays a minimal role in modulating genioglossus activity in awake and sleeping rats (Sood S, Morrison JL, Liu H, and Horner RL. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 172: 1338-1347, 2005). This result therefore implies that medullary raphe neurons also play a minimal role in the norma...

the cholinergic and gabaergic .bers of the medial septal/diagonal band of broca (ms/db) area project to the hippocampus and constitute the septo-hippocampal pathway, which has been proven to play a role in learning and memory. in addition, the hippocampus has bidirectional connections with the septum so that to self-regulate of cholinergic input. the activity of septal and hippocampal neurons i...

Serotonin (5-HT) inhibits aggression and modulates aspects of sexual behaviour in many species, but the mechanisms responsible are not well understood. Here, we exploited the social dominance hierarchy of Astatotilapia burtoni to understand the role of the serotonergic system in long-term maintenance of social status. We identified three populations of 5-HT cells in dorsal and ventral periventr...

The immunocytochemical distribution of [Leulenkephalin and an adrenal enkephalin precursor fragment (BAM-22P) immunoreactivity was investigated in the diencephalon and brainstem of rats pretreated with relatively high doses of colchicine (300-400 pgil0 pl intracerebroventricularly). The higher ranges of colchicine pretreatment allowed the visualization of extensive enkephalincontaining systems ...

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, giving rise to fibres innervating extensive areas throughout the neuraxis. Recent advances in neuroscience have resulted in the unravelling of the neuronal circuits controlling a number of physiological functions in which the LC plays a central role. Two such functions are the regulation of arousal and autonomic activity,...