[Changes in the serotonin system of the brains of rats genetically predisposed to catalepsy]

Some changes in the brain serotonergic system were found in rats bred for predisposition to catalepsy, and in those bred for its absence. The genetic predisposition for catalepsy was found to be characterized by an increased tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the striatum, and an increased serotonin content in the midbrain. No changes in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid level were found. A selection for predisposition to catalepsy turned out to entail a decrease in the sensitivity of postsynaptic serotonin receptors as estimated by the "head twitch" test after 5-hydroxytryptophan administration, while a selection for the absence of catalepsy increased the sensitivity of serotonin receptors.