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Presynaptic control of serotonin on striatal dopamine function
Sylvia Navailles1, Philippe De Deurwaerdère
1Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 5227, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France.
Psychopharmacology
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Serotonin (5-HT) has complex effects on dopamine (DA) neuron activity, influencing release and synthesis through various receptors. Its precise role in DA-mediated behaviors remains subtle and state-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- The serotonergic system's influence on dopamine (DA) neuron activity is crucial for understanding and treating central DA neuron dysfunctions.
- Serotonin (5-HT) significantly impacts dopaminergic terminal function in the striatum, with implications for Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the conflicting data regarding the effects of striatal serotonin (5-HT) on dopaminergic activity.
- To elucidate the mechanisms and physiological relevance of 5-HT's influence on DA terminals.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing biochemical and behavioral data.
- Examination of studies involving exogenous and endogenous serotonin (5-HT).
- Consideration of the roles of specific striatal 5-HT receptors (e.g., 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4)).
Main Results:
- Exogenous 5-HT exhibits both inhibitory and excitatory effects on DA release and synthesis via various striatal 5-HT receptors.
- 5-HT can induce DA efflux by reversing DA transporter function, similar to amphetamine's mechanism.
- Endogenous 5-HT influences striatal DA release in a state-dependent manner, involving multiple receptor subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Methodological and pharmacological challenges hinder a complete understanding of 5-HT's impact on striatal DA activity.
- The distribution and specific actions of striatal 5-HT receptors suggest multifaceted, subtle modulations of DA-mediated behaviors by the endogenous 5-HT system.
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