Effects of adrenalectomy and corticosterone replacement on diurnal [3H]citalopram binding in rat midbrain

Corticosteroids modulate the expression and/or functions of several serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptors. Conversely, analyses of the effects of corticosteroids upon 5-HT reuptake systems have been scarce and contradictory. Herein, the diurnal rhythm of midbrain [3H]citalopram binding to 5-HT transporters was analysed in sham and 11 day adrenalectomised rats. In addition, adrenalectomised rats were either complemented or not with corticosterone pellets (12.5-200 mg). Analyses of body weight increases and plasma adrenocorticotropic and corticosterone levels indicated that the protocol allowed the stimulation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs; 12.5 mg pellets) or the stimulation of both MRs and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs; 50-200 mg pellets). However, besides the observation of a slight, but significant diurnal (corticosteroid-independent) rhythm in 5-HT transporter binding (morning > evening), it was found that neither adrenalectomy nor corticosteroid receptor stimulation affected midbrain [3H]citalopram binding.