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Updated: May 20, 2026
09:50
Ex Utero Electroporation and Organotypic Slice Cultures of Embryonic Mouse Brains for Live-Imaging of Migrating GABAergic Interneurons
Published on: April 20, 2018
Excess of serotonin affects neocortical pyramidal neuron migration
O Riccio1, M Jacobshagen, B Golding
1Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Translational Psychiatry
|July 27, 2012
Summary
An excess of serotonin during development slows the migration of cortical pyramidal neurons. This disruption impacts neural circuit assembly and may increase the risk for psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- The serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates extracellular serotonin levels and is crucial for brain development.
- Altered serotonin transporter function during development is linked to psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of excess serotonin on neocortical pyramidal neuron migration during development.
- To identify the specific serotonin receptor involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in utero electroporation and time-lapse imaging to observe pyramidal neuron migration in developing mouse embryos.
- Examined the expression of serotonin receptors in pyramidal neuron progenitors.
- Analyzed pyramidal neuron positioning in SERT knockout mice.
Main Results:
- An excess of serotonin reversibly impaired the radial migration of pyramidal neurons.
- The 5-HT(6) receptor was found to be expressed in pyramidal neuron progenitors, and its activation mimicked the effects of excess serotonin.
- SERT knockout mice exhibited altered positioning of superficial layer pyramidal neurons.
Conclusions:
- Developmental excess of serotonin reduces cortical pyramidal neuron migration speed, hindering neural circuit formation.
- These findings support the role of serotonin dysregulation in neocortical development and psychiatric vulnerability.
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