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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Disinhibition of the rat prelimbic cortex promotes serotonergic activation of the dorsal raphe nucleus and panicolytic-like behavioral effects

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Author(s):
Yamashita, Paula S. M. ; Spiacci, Jr., Ailton ; Hassel, Jr., James E. ; Lowry, Christopher A. ; Zangrossi, Jr., Helio
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY; v. 31, n. 6, p. 704-714, JUN 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Several studies have shown that serotonin plays a dual role in the modulation of defensive behaviors related to anxiety and panic. A major source of serotonergic projections to limbic structures responsible for this modulation is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). Anatomical studies indicate that the prelimbic (PL) cortex sends dense glutamatergic projections to the DR, leading to stimulation or inhibition of serotonin release in structures innervated by the DR. The objective of the present study was to investigate if GABAergic disinhibition of the PL by means of local administration of picrotoxin (PIC), a chloride channel blocker, can affect serotonergic tone and the expression of defensive behaviors related to anxiety and panic. We used the elevated T-maze model and Vogel conflict test to evaluate defensive responses associated with anxiety or panic. The results showed that intra-PL PIC caused an increase in c-Fos activation in serotonergic cells in DR subregions. Furthermore, the intra-PL injection of PIC induced a panicolytic-like effect without affecting behaviors associated with anxiety. Our findings suggest that the PL-DR pathway, through DR serotonergic stimulation, is involved in the control of panic-related behaviors by control of serotonin release in structures that modulate panic responses, such as the dorsal periaqueductal gray. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/07544-8 - Involvement of the pathway prefrontal cortex - dorsal raphe nucleus - dorsal periaqueductal gray in the regulation of defensive responses associated to the anxiety and to the panic
Grantee:Paula Shimene de Melo Yamashita
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate