Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Homeostasis Using a Gaussia Luciferase SERCaMP
Published on: September 6, 2015
Activation of the glucocorticoid receptor rapidly triggers calcium-dependent serotonin release in vitro
Nicolas Paul1, Justine Raymond1, Sara Lumbreras1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Biochemical Laboratory, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
Aims:
Glucocorticoids rapidly provoke serotonin (5-HT) release in vivo. We aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-triggered 5-HT release.
Methods:
Employing 1C11 cells to model 5-HT neurotransmission, immunofluorescence and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze colocalization of GR, 5-HT, vesicle membrane protein synaptotagmin 1 and vesicle dye FM4-64FX. FFN511 and FM4-64FX dyes as well as calcium imaging were used to visualize vesicular 5-HT release upon application of GR agonist dexamethasone, GR antagonist mifepristone and voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) inhibitors.
Results:
GR, 5-HT, synaptotagmin 1 and FM4-64FX showed overlapping staining patterns, with Pearson's Correlation Coefficient indicating colocalization. Similarly to potassium chloride, dexamethasone caused a release of FFN511 and uptake of FM4-64FX, indicating vesicular 5-HT release. Mifepristone, calcium depletion and inhibition of L-type VGCC significantly diminished dexamethasone-induced vesicular 5-HT release.
Conclusions:
In close proximity to 5-HT releasing sites, activated GR rapidly triggers L-type VGCC-dependent vesicular 5-HT release. These findings provide a better understanding of the interrelationship between glucocorticoids and 5-HT release.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
G-protein Coupled Receptors
GPCR Desensitization
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

