Serotonergic agents restore appropriate decision-making in neonatal rats displaying dopamine D1 receptor-mediated...

A number of studies in the past have indicated that certain types of dopamine receptor-mediated behaviours can be reversed by serotonin agonists. We have recently described a behavior in neonatal rats induced by the selective D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393, which we termed vacillatory behavior. The current study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of several serotonin-specific agents at reversing this behavior. Behaviors measured on day 15 revealed that SKF 38393-mediated behavior was effectively blocked by SCH 23390 (a selective D1 antagonist), serotonin receptor agonists specific for the 5-HT1A receptor (buspirone and ipsapirone), and the serotonin uptake inhibitor clomipramine. However, the behavior was not reversed by diazepam. These data suggest that the serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems must be in a proper balance for appropriate decision-making behaviors to occur.