[EXPRESSION OF SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER IN THE VENTROLATERAL PART OF THE NUCLEUS OF THE SOLITARY TRACT IN RATS IN THE...

The expression of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) was examined using the immunocytochemical method in the ventrolateral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract in Wistar rats in the early postnatal period (Days 5 and 10) in norm (n=10) and after prenatal serotonin deficiency (n=12). Temporary expression of the 5-HTT was demonstrated during the early postnatal period in the ventrolateral division of the nucleus of the solitary tract, that was more pronounced in the most caudal part of the ventral submucleus. It was shown that in the rostral part of ventral and lateral subnuclei, the number of neurons synthesizing 5-HTT was low and remained unchanged with age. In the caudal region of the ventral subnucleus, a large number of neurons synthesizing 5-HTT was found on Day 5 of postnatal period, that was significantly reduced with age. In the caudal region of the lateral subnucleus, a small number of neurons expressing 5-HTT was detected, that also decreased with age. It was found that in the caudal region of both ventral and lateral subnuclei, the level of 5-HTT expression was significantly higher than in the rostral region. Prenatal deficiency of serotonin resulted in a reduction of the number of neurons synthesizing 5-NTT in all the subnuclei investigated.