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Serotonergic interactions with rat cerebellar Purkinje cells
Brain Research Bulletin
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Serotonin influences cerebellar Purkinje cell activity, primarily decreasing spontaneous firing rates. This neurotransmitter modulates both spontaneous and evoked excitatory synaptic transmission in the cerebellum.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Serotonergic fibers from the raphe complex extensively innervate the cerebellar cortex.
- Indoleaminergic fibers form both synaptic and nonsynaptic contacts near Purkinje cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of serotonin on spontaneous and evoked excitatory synaptic activity in cerebellar Purkinje cells.
Main Methods:
- Iontophoretic application of serotonin to Purkinje cells.
- Recording of spontaneous and evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials.
- Application of glutamate in the presence of serotonin.
Main Results:
- Serotonin application (10-50 nA) often caused an initial decrease in Purkinje cell firing rate followed by rebound excitation.
- Continuous serotonin iontophoresis increased spontaneous firing rates in 55% of tested cells.
- Serotonin decreased the ratio of evoked excitation to spontaneous activity.
- In the presence of serotonin, 77% of Purkinje cells showed decreased responsiveness to glutamate, while 23% were potentiated.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin significantly modulates Purkinje cell excitability and synaptic transmission.
- The effects of serotonin on Purkinje cells are complex, involving changes in spontaneous activity and responsiveness to excitatory inputs like glutamate.
