5-羟色胺3A受体在成年小鼠海马中间神经元中的分布

目的:利用成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠,研究5-羟色胺3A受体(5-HT3AR)在海马中间神经元中的分布情况。方法:成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠经心脏灌注固定后,利用免疫荧光双标记方法,并结合激光共焦显微镜扫描技术,观察5-HT3AR在成年5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠海马中不同中间神经元内的表达和分布情况。结果:5-HT3AR在成年小鼠整个海马中都有分布,且主要在CA1区、CA2/CA3区和齿状回有大量5-HT3AR免疫阳性细胞;激光共聚焦显微镜下观察到5-HT3AR阳性产物在细胞核、细胞浆和树突上均有表达;免疫荧光双标实验结果表明5-HT3AR阳性产物在CB(calbindin),CR(calretinin),Reelin,Som(somatostatin),NPY(neuropeptide Y)和VIP(vasoactive intestinal peptide)免疫阳性神经元中表达,但在PV(parvalbumin)免疫阳性神经元中不表达。定量结果显示:几乎所有的VIP阳性神经元均表达5-HT3AR阳性,约3/4的CR阳性神经元表达5-HT3AR,约1/2的CB、Reelin、NPY和Som阳性神经元表达5-HT3AR阳性;约1/4的5-HT3AR阳性神经元中表达Reelin,1/5的表达Som,5-HT3AR/CB和5-HT3AR/CR双标神经元各占5-HT3AR阳性神经元的1/10左右。结论:5-HT3AR-BACEGFP转基因小鼠能够作为研究海马中5-HT3AR功能及其在中间神经元中的作用机制研究的工具鼠。     

5-HT及其2A受体在大鼠丘脑前核的表达

目的研究5-羟色胺(5-HT)及其5-羟色胺2A受体(5-HT2AR)在大鼠丘脑前核的表达,探讨两者参与学习记忆的形态学依据。方法免疫组织化学ABC法观察5-HT及5-HT2AR在丘脑前核内的表达情况。包埋前免疫电镜技术观察丘脑前核群的5-HT能投射纤维终末。结果免疫组化结果显示:在大鼠丘脑前核群的前、中、后部均可见阳性的5-HT能神经元及大量串珠状的投射纤维终末,其中背侧核(AD)的神经元着色较深,胞体较大,纤维密集,平均光密度值(A值)与腹侧核(AV)的比较差异显著(P0.05);5-HT阳性反应产物主要定位于胞浆内,胞核不着色。包埋前免疫电镜显示:阳性5-HT能轴突终末与树突形成非对称性的轴-树突触。在AD、AV内可见黄色的5-HT2AR阳性神经元,其中AD的神经元胞体较大,着色较AV深,阳性产物灰度值二者比较差异显著(P0.05);阳性产物主要定位于神经元胞膜,胞核不着色。结论 5-HT和5-HT2AR在大鼠丘脑前核表达,在AD、AV的表达强度不同。     

雌性大鼠下丘脑5-羟色胺1A和2A受体亚型的定位分布

本研究应用免疫细胞化学技术观察了雌性成年SD大鼠下丘脑内5-HT1A受体亚型(5-HT1AR)和5-HT2AR免疫阳性结构的分布。结果显示:5-HT1AR免疫阳性神经元在视前区大细胞核、视前室周核、视上核和下丘脑外侧前核等核团内密集分布。在内侧视前核、外侧视前区、下丘脑室周核、下丘脑外侧区、背内侧核、腹内侧核、结节核、结节乳头体核、乳头体内侧核和乳头体外侧核等结构内也有较多的分布;而在正中视前核、视交叉上核、下丘脑室旁核、下丘脑背侧核、弓状核、乳头体上核和乳头体前核等部位有散在的分布。与5-HT1AR不同,5-HT2AR免疫阳性反应产物主要见于纤维和终末,阳性胞体少且染色淡。5-HT2AR阳性胞体见于下丘脑室旁核、视上核、腹内侧核、结节核、视前内侧区、外侧区、外侧前核、下丘脑背内侧核等处。另外,在视前区前内侧视前核、视交叉上核背侧和外侧可见围绕血管分布、密集成团簇状、带有大小不同膨体的阳性神经纤维缠结。本文结果提示5-HT1AR阳性结构广泛地分布于大鼠下丘脑,而5-HT2AR在下丘脑分布较为局限。二者不同的分布特点,提示它们可能介导5-HT在下丘脑的不同生理功能。     

大鼠前庭神经核复合体内5-羟色胺1A受体的分布

为了研究5-羟色胺1A受体(5-HT1AR)亚型在大鼠前庭神经核复合体(VNC)内的分布情况,本文采用免疫组织化学方法,在光学显微镜下对5-HT1AR亚型免疫阳性结构进行了观察。结果显示:5-HT1AR免疫阳性产物在VNC各个核团全长均有分布,主要定位于VNC神经元的胞体和近侧端树突,呈弥散分布,但在胞浆中也观察到许多染色深浅不同、分布不均匀的点状阳性结构。其中5-HT1AR样阳性神经元在前庭内侧核的全长呈密集分布,在前庭下核的尾段呈中等密度分布,在前庭上核、前庭外侧核和X核的全长、前庭下核的吻段和中段以及Y核的中、尾段均呈低密度分布,Y核的吻侧呈稀疏分布。本文结果提示,5-HT1AR阳性结构广泛地分布于大鼠VNC内,它们可能在介导5-HT对神经元活动的调节,参与前庭信息的整合与加工方面发挥重要作用。     

强迫游泳后大鼠杏仁体中谷氨酸神经元中的pCREB水平显著上调(英文)

杏仁体在情绪性学习记忆及情绪行为中起关键性作用,而这些功能是由杏仁体的三个主要亚核(外侧核、基底外侧核和中央核)执行完成,并与一种转录因子-环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)密切相关。CREB在多种神经活动中都会被激活成为磷酸化的CREB(pCREB)。为探讨杏仁体中哪种神经元表达pCREB以及在情绪性应激刺激后不同时间段内杏仁体中pCREB水平的变化,本试验对大鼠用强迫游泳作为情绪性应激刺激;以抗pCREB、抗谷氨酸(Glu)和抗小清蛋白(PV)抗体标记了杏仁体中的神经元;用Westernblot法测定了杏仁体中的pCREB蛋白水平。结果显示,pCREB表达于谷氨酸免疫阳性神经元中,而不在含小清蛋白的神经元中表达;而pCREB的表达水平在强迫游泳后显著提升。本结果提示,pCREB是通过谷氨酸神经元行使其对情绪过程的调解功能;情绪性刺激后pCREB的表达水平显著提升以应对应激性刺激。     

大鼠前庭神经核复合体内5-HT能终末与表达5-HT1A受体的前庭臂旁核投射神经元之间的联系

目的 观察大鼠前庭神经核复合体(VNC)内5-羟色胺(5-HT)样阳性终末与表达5-HT1A受体(5-HT1A R)的前庭-臂旁核投射神经元之间的联系.方法 运用逆行束路追踪和免疫荧光组织化学染色相结合的双重标记技术,在激光共焦显微镜下观察.结果 将四甲基罗达明(TMR)注入臂旁核后,在双侧VNC的各个核团内均可观察到许多TMR逆标神经元,但以同侧为主.免疫荧光组织化学染色结果显示,在前庭内侧核(MVe)、前庭下核(SpVe)、前庭上核(SuVe)、前庭外侧核(LVe)、X核以及Y核的一些区域内,许多神经元表达5-HT1A R样免疫阳性,并可观察到大量5-HT样阳性纤维和终末.激光共焦显微镜下可进一步观察到一些TMR逆标神经元同时呈5-HT1A R样免疫阳性,且有部分5-HT样阳性终末与TMR/5-HT1A R双标神经元的胞体或树突形成密切接触.结论 提示5-HT可能通过5-HT1A R对前庭神经核复合体-臂旁核间的信息传递发挥调控作用.     

大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺免疫阳性神经纤维和终支的起源

本文用WGA-HRP逆行束路追踪结合免疫酶组织化学双标记法,对大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺(5-HT)免疫阳性神经纤维和终支(5-HT纤维)的起源进行了研究。结果如下,终纹床核主要区域的5-HT纤维,除主要起源于中缝背核和中央上核外,尚有部分纤维源自B_9组细胞群和尾侧线形核;在这些发出纤维支配终纹床核的中缝核神经元中,约有1/3为5-HT免疫阳性且主要为同侧;除少数区域外,这些核群内所有类型的5-HT免疫阳性神经元均有部分发出纤维投射到终纹床核。     

大鼠神经系统内5-羟色胺_(1A)受体亚型的定位分布(英文)

应用免疫组织化学技术观察了大鼠神经系统内 5 -羟色胺 1A受体亚型 ( 5 -HT1 AR)免疫阳性结构的分布。结果显示 :5 -HT1 AR免疫阳性结构主要分布于梨状皮质、隔核、丘脑腹后核、丘脑网状核、杏仁基外侧核、Purkinje细胞层、红核、面神经核、斜方体核等 ;在海马、额叶皮质、丘脑背内侧核、脚间核、三叉神经中脑核、中缝背核、三叉神经脊束核、脊髓背角浅层、背根神经节和三叉神经等结构内有中等强度的分布 ;在嗅球、尾壳核、苍白球、斜角带核、终纹床核、缰核、黑质、上橄榄等部位有弱的分布。本文的结果提示 5 -HT1 AR阳性结构广泛地分布在大鼠神经系统 ,它们可能介导 5 -HT在神经系统中的多种生理功能     

大鼠杏仁体基底外侧核GABA和ACh能中间神经元的突触

目的：揭示杏仁体基底外侧核(BL)中的γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)能和乙酰胆碱能(ACh)2种中间神经元树突上的突触联系。方法：用抗GABA和抗胆碱乙酰转移酶(ChAT)抗体对BL做光镜和电镜免疫组化染色。结果：光镜下，GABA免疫反应阳性神经元多为圆形多极神经元；CHAT免疫阳性神经元多为双极神经元。两者数量比约为(7-9)：1。电镜下，支配GABA免疫阳性神经元的突触52．7％为非对称性(兴奋性)，47．3％为对称性(抑制性)，而ChAT免疫阳性神经元则分别为44．9％和55．1％。结论：在情绪性学习记忆的处理过程中，杏仁体GABA能中间神经元起主要的功能作用，可能为抑制作用；而ACh能中间神经元作为辅助的均衡调节作用。     

Serotonergic modulation of neurotransmission in the rat basolateral amygdala.

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were obtained from projection neurons and interneurons of the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) to understand local network interactions in morphologically identified neurons and their modulation by serotonin. Projection neurons and interneurons were characterized morphologically and electrophysiologically according to their intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic characteristics. Synaptic activity in projection neurons was dominated by spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) that were multiphasic, reached 181 +/- 38 pA in amplitude, lasted 296 +/- 27 mS, and were blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline methiodide (30 microM). In interneurons, spontaneous synaptic activity was characterized by a burst-firing discharge patterns (200 +/- 40 Hz) that correlated with the occurrence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione-sensitive, high-amplitude (260 +/- 42 pA), long-duration (139 +/- 19 mS) inward excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). The interevent interval of 831 +/- 344 mS for compound inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), and 916 +/- 270 mS for EPSC bursts, suggested that spontaneous IPSP/Cs in projection neurons are driven by burst of action potentials in interneurons. Hence, BLA interneurons may regulate the excitability of projection neurons and thus determine the degree of synchrony within ensembles of BLA neurons. In interneurons 5-hydroxytryptamine oxalate (5-HT) evoked a direct, dose-dependent, membrane depolarization mediated by a 45 +/- 6.9 pA inward current, which had a reversal potential of -90 mV. The effect of 5-HT was mimicked by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (alpha-methyl-5-HT), but not by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, (+/-) 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), or the 5-HT1B agonist, CGS 12066A. In projection neurons, 5-HT evoked an indirect membrane hyperpolarization ( approximately 2 mV) that was associated with a 75 +/- 42 pA outward current and had a reversal potential of -70 mV. The response was independent of 5-HT concentration, blocked by TTX, mimicked by alpha-methyl-5-HT but not by 8-OH-DPAT. In interneurons, 5-HT reduced the amplitude of the evoked EPSC and in the presence of TTX (0.6 microM) reduced the frequency of miniature EPSCs but not their quantal content. In projection neurons, 5-HT also caused a dose-dependent reduction in the amplitude of stimulus evoked EPSCs and IPSCs. These results suggest that acute serotonin release would directly activate GABAergic interneurons of the BLA, via an activation of 5-HT2 receptors, and increase the frequency of inhibitory synaptic events in projection neurons. Chronic serotonin release, or high levels of serotonin, would reduce the excitatory drive onto interneurons and may act as a feedback mechanism to prevent excess inhibition within the nucleus.     

Neuronal localization of 5-HT type 2A receptor immunoreactivity in the rat basolateral amygdala

Although it is well established that there are alterations in type 2A 5-HT receptors (5-HT2ARs) in the basolateral nuclear complex of the amygdala (BLC) in several neuropsychiatric disorders, very little is known about the neuronal localization of these receptors in this brain region. Single-labeling and dual-labeling immunohistochemical techniques were utilized in the rat to address this question. Three different 5-HT2AR antibodies were used, each producing distinct but overlapping patterns of immunostaining. Two of three 5-HT2AR antibodies mainly stained pyramidal projection neurons in the BLC. The third antibody only stained pyramidal cells in the dorsolateral subdivision of the lateral amygdalar nucleus. With one of the antibodies, the most intensely stained neurons were a population of large nonpyramidal neurons whose morphology and distribution closely resembled those shown in previous studies to project to the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD). This was confirmed in the present study using a technique that combined 5-HT2AR immunohistochemistry with fluorogold retrograde tract-tracing. Two of three 5-HT2AR antibodies stained large numbers of parvalbumin-containing interneurons in the BLC. One of these two antibodies also stained a subpopulation of somatostatin-containing neurons. None of the 5-HT2AR antibodies stained significant numbers of the other two main interneuronal subpopulations, the large cholecystokinin-positive neurons or the small interneurons that exhibit extensive colocalization of calretinin and cholecystokinin. Since each of the three antibodies was raised against a distinct immunizing antigen, they may recognize different conformations of 5-HT2AR in different neuronal domains. The expression of 5-HT2ARs in pyramidal cells and parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the BLC is consistent with the results of previous electrophysiological studies, and suggests that 5-HT may produce excitation of several neuronal populations in the BLC via 5-HT2ARs.     

The 5-HT2A receptor is mainly expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons in rat lumbar dorsal root ganglia

Several lines of evidence indicate that peripheral 5-HT2A receptors are involved in the development of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, their localization in sensory cell bodies is not accurately known. We therefore studied 5-HT2A receptor distribution in rat lumbar dorsal root ganglia using immunocytochemistry. Forty percent of L3 lumbar dorsal root ganglion cells were immunoreactive for 5-HT2A receptor. Most were small- to medium-sized cell bodies. Double-labeled experiments revealed that they expressed various chemical phenotypes. The smaller 5-HT2AR cell bodies often bind the isolectin B4 although some 5-HT2AR cell bodies also express substance P (SP). Many 5-HT2A-positive small dorsal root ganglion cells expressed the capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 receptor (TRPV1), confirming their nociceptive nature. In addition, a few large cell bodies were labeled for 5-HT2A, and they also expressed NF200 suggesting that they were at the origin of Aδ or Aβ fibers. A total absence of double labeling with parvalbumin showed that they were not proprioceptors. 5-HT2A immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia cells was found in the cytoplasm and along the plasma membrane at the interface between sensory cell and the adjacent satellite cells; this distribution was confirmed under the electron microscope, and suggested a functional role for the 5-HT2A receptor at these sites. We therefore investigated the presence of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in lumbar dorsal root ganglia by high performance liquid chromatography. There were 5.75±0.80 ng 5-HT and 3.19±0.37 ng 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) per mg of protein with a ratio 5-HIAA/5-HT of 0.67±0.10, similar to values typically observed in brain tissues. These findings suggest that 5-HT, via the 5-HT2AR, may be involved in the peripheral control of sensory afferents, mainly unmyelinated nociceptors and to a lesser extent neurons with Aδ or Aβ fibers, and in the control of cellular excitability of some dorsal root cell bodies through a paracrine mechanism of action.     

Identification of basolateral amygdala projection cells and interneurons using extracellular recordings

This study tested whether firing rate and spike shape could be used to distinguish projection cells from interneurons in extracellular recordings of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons. To this end, we recorded BLA neurons in isoflurane-anesthetized animals with tungsten microelectrodes. Projection cells were identified by antidromic activation from cortical projection sites of the BLA. Although most projection cells fired spontaneously at low rates (<1 Hz), an important subset fired at higher rates (up to 6.8 Hz). In fact, the distribution of firing rates in projection cells and unidentified BLA neurons overlapped extensively, even though the latter cell group presumably contains a higher proportion of interneurons. The only difference between the two distributions was a small subset (5.1%) of unidentified neurons with unusually high firing rates (9-16 Hz). Similarly, distributions of spike durations in both cell groups were indistinguishable, although most of the fast-firing neurons had spike durations at the low end of the distribution. However, we observed that spike durations depended on the exact position of the electrode with respect to the recorded cell, varying by as much as 0.7 ms. Thus neither firing rate nor spike waveform allowed for unequivocal separation of projection cells from interneurons. Nevertheless, we propose the use of two firing rate cutoffs to obtain relatively pure samples of projection cells and interneurons: < or =1 Hz for projection cells and > or =7 Hz for fast-spiking interneurons. Supplemented with spike-duration cutoffs of > or =0.7 ms for projection cells and < or =0.5 ms for interneurons, this approach should keep instances of misclassifications to a minimum.     

Serotonin2C receptor localization in GABA neurons of the rat medial prefrontal cortex: implications for understanding the neurobiology of addiction

Serotonin (5-HT) action via the 5-HT(2C) receptor (5-HT(2C)R) provides an important modulatory influence over neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is critically involved in disorders of executive function including substance use disorders. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of the 5-HT(2C)R in the rat prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PrL), a subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), using a polyclonal antibody raised against the 5-HT(2C)R. The expression of 5-HT(2C)R immunoreactivity (IR) was highest in the deep layers (layers V/VI) of the mPFC. The 5-HT(2C)R-IR was typically most intense at the periphery of cell bodies and the initial segment of cell processes. Approximately 50% of the 5-HT(2C)R-IR detected was found in glutamate decarboxylase, isoform 67 (GAD 67)-positive neurons. Of the subtypes of GABA interneurons identified by expression of several calcium-binding proteins, a significantly higher percentage of neurons expressing IR for parvalbumin also expressed 5-HT(2C)R-IR than did the percentage of neurons expressing calbindin-IR or calretinin-IR that also expressed 5-HT(2C)R-IR. Since parvalbumin is located in basket and chandelier GABA interneurons which project to cell body and initial axon segments of pyramidal cells, respectively, these results raise the possibility that the 5-HT(2C)R in the mPFC acts via the parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons to regulate the output of pyramidal cells in the rat mPFC.