肺动脉高压大鼠肺内5-HT1B受体的分布和表达变化

目的:观察低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺内5-HT1B受体的分布和表达变化,探讨低氧性肺动脉高压的形成机制.方法:40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组(control)、低氧3周组(2w)、低氧4周组(4w)和低氧5周组(5w).除正常组外,其余3组大鼠分别在低氧环境中饲养3周、4周和5周.测定各组大鼠的平均肺动脉压力(mPAP)、右心室收缩压(RVSP)和右心室肥厚度[RV/(LV+S)%].应用免疫组织化学法观察大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的分布和表达,Western blot法测定大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的蛋白含量.结果:和正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠的mPAP、RVSP和右心室肥厚度均显著升高(P均＜0.05),并且随着低氧时间的延长而持续升高(P均＜0.05).免疫组织化学结果显示:5-HT1B受体主要分布在正常大鼠肺动脉的内膜层,而平滑肌层中仅有少量表达:和正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌层中5-HT1B受体的表达显著增多;随着低氧时间的延长,大鼠肺动脉平滑肌层中5-HT1B受体表达持续增多.Western blot结果表明,大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的蛋白含量变化和免疫组织化学结果相一致.结论:低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺动脉中5-HT1B受体呈过度表达,这可能是低氧性肺动脉高压形成的分子机制之一.     

8-OH-DPAT对大鼠体感皮质5-羟色胺抑制单位自发放电的抑制作用

目的：研究5-羟色胺（5-HT）对大鼠大脑皮质第一体表感觉区自发单位放电（SI-SUD）的影响,以及5-HT1A受体在5-HT抑制SI-SUD中的可能作用。方法：记录微电泳5-HT及5-HT1A受体选择性激动剂8-OHDPAT前后的SISUD,分析：MISISUD的平均放电间隔（MISI）变化并作统计学处理。结果：①微电泳5-HT对SISUD的影响有3种情况：则MISI增大（抑制作用）（48／96）;MISI减小（兴奋作用）（26／96）或MISI无明显改变（无明显影响）（22／96）。其中以抑制作用为主。②在20个5-HT押制单位中,微电泳8-OH-DPAT可抑制其中17个单位的SISUD,而其余3个单位的SISUD无明显改变。结论：5-HT对SISUD的影响以抑制作用为主。体感皮质的大部分5-HT抑制单位存在有5-HT1A受体,并参与5-HT对SI-SUD的抑制作用。     

褪黑素对谷氨酸钠致痫大鼠海马5-羟色胺水平的影响

目的观察褪黑素(Melatonin,MT)对谷氨酸钠(Glutamate,Glu)致痫大鼠海马5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT)水平的影响,研究其抑制癫痫的作用机制。方法40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组(每组10只),分别为生理盐水对照组(NS组);谷氨酸钠致痫组(Glu组);褪黑素 谷氨酸钠组(MT Glu组);Luzidole 褪黑素 谷氨酸钠组(Luz MT Glu组)。观察并记录大鼠行为学及脑电图改变,用免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠海马内5-HT含量变化。结果行为学观察和EEG显示,NS组无痫样发作和痫样放电,Glu组和Luz MT Glu组痫样发作重(Ⅲ-Ⅴ级),脑电图显示频发高幅的痫样波,TM Glu组无或仅有轻微发作(0-Ⅱ级),脑电图上无或偶见散在单个微小痫样波;免疫组织化学分析结果显示,Glu组和Luz MT Glu组大鼠海马内5-HT含量与对照组比较均减少,差异性明显(P<0.05),MT Glu组较Glu组和Luz MT Glu组5-HT含量升高,差异性明显(P<0.05)。结论MT对谷氨酸钠致痫大鼠痫样发作程度、痫样放电有抑制作用,其机制之一是经由其特异性的膜受体,通过某种机制增强5-HT作用,进而发挥抑痫效应。     

5-羟色胺与Toll样受体及肠道菌群之间关系的研究

5-羟色胺(5-HT)是参与调节胃肠道运动、内脏敏感性、分泌等功能的重要神经递质和信号分子。肠道菌群对5-HT的产生有重要影响,已发现一些产芽孢细菌(spore-forming bacteria,SP)类肠道微生物能刺激肠嗜铬细胞(enterochromaffin cell,EC)产生5-HT。微生物通过Toll样受体(Toll-like receptors,TLR)激活神经分泌机制来调节胃肠运动,某些TLR通过作用于5-HT受体调节小鼠回肠的自主收缩和5-HT诱导的收缩反应。通过调节肠道菌群可以对5-HT综合征及其相关生理和病理状况产生重要影响。因此,对5-HT与TLR及肠道菌群相互之间的关系进行进一步的研究有重要意义。     

大鼠脑内5-羟色胺在应激性溃疡形成中的作用

通过神经化学和神经药理学的方法,在大鼠观察了冷冻加束缚应激性溃疡的形成过程中,脑内5-羟色胺(5-HT)的作用。结果如下:1.在应激过程中,脑内5-HT 及其主要代谢产物5-羟吲哚乙酸(5-HIAA)的含量明显升高,特别是5-HIAA 的含量随着应激时间的延长持续上升,说明5-HT 的代谢加快。2.脑内5-HT 或5-HIAA 含量在应激45min 时与溃疡指数呈明显的负相关,而在应激180min 时则与溃疡指数呈明显的正相关。3.侧脑室注射5-HT或其前体5-羟色氨酸(5-HTP),对应激性溃疡的形成呈双重作用,小剂量时减轻而大剂量时加重溃疡的形成。4.腹腔注射5-HT 合成阻断剂对氯苯丙氨酸(pCPA)可降低大鼠脑内5-HT 和5-HIAA 含量,使应激60min 鼠的溃疡形成加重,而使应激180min 鼠的溃疡形成减轻。以上结果提示,在大鼠的冷冻加束缚应激性溃疡的形成过程中,脑内5-HT 起着一定的作用,它很可能在应激早期减轻而在应激晚期加重溃疡的形成。     

褪黑素对谷氨酸钠致痫大鼠海马5-色胺水平的影响

目的观察褪黑素（Melatonin,MT）对谷氨酸钠（Glutamate,Glu）致痫大鼠海马5-羟色胺（5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT）水平的影响,研究其抑制癫痫的作用机制。方法40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组（每组10只）,分别为生理盐水对照组（NS组）;谷氨酸钠致痫组（Glu组）;褪黑素＋谷氨酸钠组（MT＋Glu组）;Luzidole＋褪黑素＋谷氨酸钠组（Luz＋MT＋Glu组）。观察并记录大鼠行为学及脑电图改变,用免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠海马内5-HT含量变化。结果行为学观察和EEG显示,NS组无痫样发作和痫样放电,Glu组和Luz＋MT＋Glu组痫样发作重（Ⅲ—Ⅴ级）,脑电图显示频发高幅的痫样波,TM＋Glu组无或仅有轻微发作（0-Ⅱ级）,脑电图上无或偶见散在单个微小痫样波;免疫组织化学分析结果显示,Glu组和Luz＋MT＋Glu组大鼠海马内5-HT含量与对照组比较均减少,差异性明显（P〈0．05）,MT＋Glu组较Glu组和Luz＋MT＋Glu组5-HT含量升高,差异性明显（P〈0．05）。结论MT对谷氨酸钠致痫大鼠痫样发作程度、痫样放电有抑制作用,其机制之一是经由其特异性的膜受体,通过某种机制增强5-HT作用,进而发挥抑痫效应。     

帕金森病大鼠中缝背核5-羟色胺能神经元放电频率和放电形式的变化

实验采用玻璃微电极细胞外记录法, 观察了帕金森病(Parkinson’s disease, PD)大鼠中缝背核(dorsal raphe nucleus, DRN)5- 羟色胺(5-hydroxytrypamine, 5-HT)能神经元电活动的变化。结果发现, 对照组和 PD 组大鼠 DRN 中 5-HT 能神经元的放电频率分别为(1.61 ±0.56) Hz 和(2.61 ±1.97) Hz, PD 组大鼠的放电频率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在对照组大鼠, 79% 的神经元呈现规则放电, 21% 为爆发式放电;在 PD 组大鼠,具有规则、不规则和爆发式放电的神经元比例分别为 36%、16% 和47%, 爆发式放电的 5-HT 能神经元比例明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,帕金森病大鼠 DRN 中 5-HT 能神经元的放电频率增高, 且爆发式放电增多。     

5—羟色胺抑制离体脊髓运动神经元的突触传递

应用新生大鼠脊髓切片运动神经元(MN)细胞内记录技术,发现5-羟色胺(5-HT)10～100μmol/L灌流可浓度依从地抑制背、腹根刺激在MN诱发的兴奋性突触后电位(EPSP)和抑制性突触后电位,但可增大外源性谷氨酸引起的MN去极化。5-HT对背根性EPSP的抑制无刺激频率依赖性,可为5-HT_(1A)受体激动剂8-OH-DPAT模拟,但不受士的宁、酮色林及MDL 72222的影响。结果表明5-HT可直接激活初级传入纤维末梢5-HT_(1A)受体而抑制MN的突触传递。     

腹腔和脑室注射促肾上腺皮质激素对大鼠不同脑区5-羟色胺含量的影响

本文应用荧光分光光度法测定脑内5-羟色胺(5-HT)含量,观察腹腔内注射(ip)或侧脑室内注射(icv)促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)对大鼠海马、下丘脑和中-桥脑内5-HT 含量的影响,结果如下:(1)ACTH(20.0U/kg)ip 可使海马、下丘脑和中-桥脑内5-HT 含量增多,1h达高峰,与对照组比较差异非常显著(P<0.01-0.001);ACTH ip 后3h,三脑区5-HT 含量基本恢复至对照水平。电解损毁中脑中缝核后,ACTH ip 使海马和下丘脑5-HT 含量升高的作用明显降低,摘除两侧肾上腺后,对 ACTH 增加三脑区5-HT 含量的效应没有影响。(2)ACTH(0.5U/10μl)icy 40min 后,也使三脑区5-HT 含量升高,与人工脑脊液 icv的比较,差异显著或非常显著(P<0.05-0.01);电解损毁中脑中缝核后,ACTH icv 使海马和下丘脑5-HT 含量升高的作用也显著下降。(3)ACTH ip 升高三脑区5-HT 含量的作用较 ACTH icv 的强,损毁中脑中缝核后,5-HT 含量的下降,前者却不如后者显著。上述结果提示:ACTH(ip 或 icv)之所以引起海马、下丘脑和中-桥脑5-HT 含量增多,很可能都与激活中脑中缝核有关,ACTH ip 尚可能有其它作用途径,但与肾上腺关系不大。     

脉冲电流经皮刺激肝区对运动性疲劳大鼠5-HT及其代谢的影响

目的:研究脉冲电流经皮刺激肝区对运动性疲劳大鼠大脑纹状体5-羟色胺(5-HT)及其代谢的影响。方法:8周龄Wistar雄性大鼠80只随机分为安静对照组(CG组)、疲劳训练组(FG组)、运动后刺激组(SAF组)、运动前刺激组(SBF组),除CG组外各组均进行游泳训练,建立运动疲劳模型,于第1、3、5周训练的最后1d,断头处死,取外周血测游离色氨酸(F-Trp)、支链氨基酸(BCAA)、F-Trp/BCAA含量,取纹状体测F-Trp、5-HT、5-羟吲哚乙酸(5-HIAA)含量。结果:与CG组相比,各组大鼠血清BCAA含量呈下降趋势,其余各指标均呈升高趋势;与FG组相比,SAF组、SBF组第3周末纹状体5-HT明显下降(P0.01);与SBF组相比,SAF组第5周末纹状体5-HT明显下降(P0.05)。结论:经皮脉冲电流刺激具有降低疲劳大鼠5-HT及代谢产物的含量,有助于疲劳的消除,对长时间运动时中枢机能的改善具有积极作用。     

Enhancement of [m-methoxy3H]MDL100907 binding to 5HT2A receptors in cerebral cortex and brain stem of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

5-Hydroxytryptamine_2A (5-HT_2A) receptor kinetics was studied in cerebral cortex and brain stem of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Scatchard analysis with [³H] (±) 2,3dimethoxyphenyl-1-[2-(4-piperidine)-methanol] ([³H]MDL100907) in cerebral cortex showed no significant change in maximal binding (B_max) in diabetic rats compared to controls. Dissociation constant (K_d) of diabetic rats showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in cerebral cortex, which was reversed to normal by insulin treatment. Competition studies of [³H]MDL100907 binding in cerebral cortex with ketanserin showed the appearance of an additional low affinity site for 5-HT_2A receptors in diabetic state, which was reversed to control pattern by insulin treatment. In brain stem, scatchard analysis showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in B_max accompanied by a significant increase (p < 0.05) in K_d. Competition analysis in brain stem also showed a shift in affinity towards a low affinity State for 5-HT_2A receptors. All these parameters were reversed to control level by insulin treatment. These results show that in cerebral cortex there is an increase in affinity of 5-HT_2A receptors without any change in its number and in the case of brain stem there is an increase in number of 5HT_2A receptors accompanied by a decrease in its affinity during diabetes. Thus, from the results we suggest that the increase in affinity of 5-HT_2A receptors in cerebral cortex and upregulation of 5-HT_2A receptors in brain stem may lead to altered neuronal function in diabetes.     

Differential Effect of Subchronic Treatment with Various Neuroleptic Agents on Serotonin2 Receptors in Rat Cerebral Cortex

In addition to antidepressant drugs, some neuroleptic (NL) drugs reduce serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptor binding sites after chronic administration. The present study was undertaken to characterize further this property of NL drugs. Scatchard analysis of [3H]spiperone binding in rat cerebral cortex revealed that 21-day treatment with chlorpromazine (CPZ), cis-flupenthixol, and thioridazine reduced 5-HT2 radioligand binding density by 60, 27, and 18%, respectively. The more selective dopamine-D2 antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride were totally ineffective in this regard. No reduction in 5-HT2 ligand binding sites occurred after 1 day of treatment with CPZ but 3-days of treatment was effective and this reduction persisted, although diminished, for at least 72 h after the last injection. cis-Flupenthixol and d-butaclamol were also effective after 3 days of treatment but trans-flupenthixol and l-butaclamol were not, indicating stereo-specificity of the response mechanism. Female rats showed the same response to CPZ as did male rats. Central 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced lesions of 5-HT neurons demonstrated that intact 5-HT neurons were not required for the reduction of 5-HT2 receptor ligand binding by CPZ. Since CPZ has high affinity for many receptors, including alpha 1, histamine1, and muscarinic receptors, the role of these effects in producing 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation was considered by studying the effects of prazosin, atropine, and pyrilamine administration on 5-HT2 radioligand binding. Results indicate that no one of these actions appears to account for the down-regulation of 5-HT2 receptors by CPZ. Several of these effects, in combination, or some unique mechanism, may be involved.     

Lack of desensitization of muscarinic receptor-mediated second messenger signals in rat brain upon acute and chronic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.

We studied the effects of acute and chronic in vivo inhibition of acetylcholinesterase on both the density and function of brain muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Adult male rats were treated either once or multiple times over a period of 10 days with the irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). The concentration and affinity of muscarinic receptors in various brain regions were determined using radioligand binding techniques. Acute DFP treatment resulted in a significant reduction in receptor number only in the brain stem, while chronic treatment caused receptor down-regulation in the brain stem, cerebral cortex, and striatum. There was no change in ligand affinity in any of the brain regions. In sharp contrast, muscarinic receptor function was fully preserved, in terms of coupling of the receptors to increased phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, or inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in the cerebral cortex or striatum. Therefore, there is a marked lack or correlation between DFP-induced muscarinic receptor down-regulation and receptor desensitization.     

Lack of desensitization of muscarinic receptor–mediated second messenger signals in rat brain upon acute and chronic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase

We studied the effects of acute and chronic in vivo inhibition of acetylcholinesterase on both the density and function of brain muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Adult male rats were treated either once or multiple times over a period of 10 days with the irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). The concentration and affinity of muscarinic receptors in various brain regions were determined using radioligand binding techniques. Acute DFP treatment resulted in a significant reduction in receptor number only in the brain stem, while chronic treatment caused receptor downregulation in the brain stem, cerebral cortex, and striatum. There was no change in ligand affinity in any of the brain regions. In sharp contrast, muscarinic receptor function was fully preserved, in terms of coupling of the receptors to increased phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, or inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in the cerebral cortex or striatum. Therefore, there is a marked lack or correlation between DFP-induced muscarinic receptor down-regulation and receptor desensitization.     

Are 5-HT receptors involved in the sprouting of serotoninergic terminals following neonatal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine treatment in the rat?

The neonatal administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine to rats (100 mg kg^?1 s.c. on the 1st and 2nd day after birth) resulted in marked reductions in serotoninergic presynaptic markers ([³H]-5-HT synaptosomal uptake, tryptophan hydroxylase activity and endogenous 5-HT content) in various forebrain areas, particularly the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. In contrast, this treatment produced an increased outgrowth of serotoninergic terminals in the brain stem as judged by the significant increments of these presynaptic markers in this region. Both in the hippocampus and the brain stem, these 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced changes in serotoninergic innervation were associated with a transient increase in 5-HT-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. No significant alteration of the specific high affinity binding of [³H]-5-HT to synaptosomal membranes from various brain regions was detected in 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-treated rats for at least the first postnatal month.The chronic blockade of 5-HT receptors by metergoline (5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 from day 3 to day 22 after birth) altered neither the changes in presynaptic markers nor the evolution of [³H]-5-HT high affinity binding in 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-treated rats.These findings further illustrate that the high affinity binding sites for [³H]-5-HT do not correspond to postsynaptic 5-HT receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase in the rat brain. Apparently, 5-HT receptors play no role in the increased outgrowth of serotoninergic systems in the brain stem following neonatal 5,7-dihydroxy-tryptamine treatment.     

Decreased 5-HT2C receptor binding in the cerebral cortex and brain stem during pancreatic regeneration in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of central 5-HT_2C receptor binding in rat model of pancreatic regeneration using 60–70% pancreatectomy. The 5-HT and 5-HT_2C receptor kinetics were studied in cerebral cortex and brain stem of sham operated, 72 h pancreatectomised and 7 days pancreatectomised rats. Scatchard analysis with [³H] mesulergine in cerebral cortex showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in maximal binding (B_max) without any change in K_d in 72 h pancreatectomised rats compared with sham. The decreased B_max reversed to sham level by 7 days after pancreatectomy. In brain stem, Scatchard analysis showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in B_max with a significant increase (p < 0.01) in K_d. Competition analysis in brain stem showed a shift in affinity towards a low affinity. These parameters were reversed to sham level by 7 days after pancreatectomy. Thus the results suggest that 5-HT through the 5-HT_2C receptor in the brain has a functional regulatory role in the pancreatic regeneration.     

Brain neurotransmitter receptor-binding characteristics in rats after oral administration of haloperidol, risperidone and olanzapine

The present study was conducted to characterize the binding of neurotransmitter receptors (dopamine D(2), serotonin 5-HT(2), histamine H(1), adrenaline alpha(1) and muscarine M(l) receptors) in the rat's brain after the oral administration of haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine. Haloperidol at 1 and 3 mg/kg displayed significant activity to bind the D(2) receptor (increase in the Kd value for [(3)H]raclopride binding) in the corpus striatum with little change in the activity toward the 5-HT(2) receptor (binding parameters for [(3)H]ketanserin). In contrast, risperidone (0.1-3 mg/kg) showed roughly 30 times more affinity for the 5-HT(2) receptor than D(2) receptor. Also, olanzapine (1-10 mg/kg) was most active toward the H(1) receptor in the cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, and hippocampus, was less active in binding 5-HT(2) and D(2) receptors, and showed the least affinity for alpha(1) and M(1) receptors. In conclusion, haloperidol and risperidone administered orally selectively bind D(2) and 5-HT(2) receptors, respectively, in the rat brain, while olanzapine binds H(1), 5-HT(2), and D(2) receptors more than alpha(1) and M(1) receptors.     

不同甲状腺功能状态对成年大鼠中枢5—HT1A受体密度的影响

用三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T_3)和丙基硫氧嘧啶(PTU)灌胃分别制成大鼠的甲状腺机能亢进症(简称甲亢)和甲状腺机能低下症(简称甲低)模型。灌药后甲亢组心率、氧耗量、肛温以及血浆T_3浓度较对照组显著增高;在甲低组则均降低。氚标8-羟基-2-(二正丙氨基)-四氢化萘([~3H]8-OH-DPAT)的受体结合实验显示甲亢组海马的5-HT_(1A)受体结合数较对照组显著增加,皮层减低,下丘脑、脑干和纹状体无显著变化。Scatchard分析示甲文组[~3H]8-OH-DPAT在海马中的最大结合容量(B_(max))增加,皮层减低,K_D无变化。甲低组在上述脑区均未见显著变化。上述5-HT_(1A)受体的变化是否与甲亢并发精神神经障碍的机制有关,尚待进一步研究。     

Radioiodinated D-(+)-N1-ethyl-2-iodolysergic acid diethylamide: a ligand for in vitro and in vivo studies of serotonin receptors

Radioiodinated D-(+)-N1-ethyl-2-iodolysergic acid diethylamide ([125I]-EIL) has been evaluated as a ligand for in vitro and in vivo studies of cerebral serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. [125I]-EIL exhibited high affinity (KD = 209 pM) for 5-HT2 receptors with a high degree of specific binding (80-95%) in membranes from rat prefrontal cortex. The regional distribution of [125I]-EIL binding in vivo to seven areas of mouse brain correlated significantly (Rs = 0.93) with known densities of 5-HT2 receptors. In vivo specificity, defined by tissue to cerebellum radioactivity ratios, reached a maximum for frontal cortex at 6 hr (21.2) and persisted through 16 hr (8.8). Ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, fully inhibited binding in a dose dependent fashion in all brain regions except cerebellum. By contrast, blockers for dopamine D2, alpha- or beta-adrenergic receptors did not significantly inhibit radioligand binding in any region. [125I]-EIL selectively labels 5-HT2 receptors in vivo with the highest specificity of any serotonergic ligand reported to date, indicating that [123I]-EIL should prove applicable to single photon emission computed tomography studies in living brain.     

Differences in serotonergic neurotransmission between rats displaying high or low anxiety/depression-like behaviour: effects of chronic paroxetine treatment

Disturbances in serotonergic neurotransmission have been suggested to be closely interlinked with hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system, and are likely to be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and major depression. We therefore investigated markers of serotonergic transmission and their modulation by chronic paroxetine in rats selectively bred for high (HAB) or low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour, both under basal conditions and in response to emotional stress. Hippocampal serotonin 1 A (5-HT1A) receptor mRNA expression was reduced in HAB rats, whereas 5-HT concentrations in hippocampal microdialysates did not differ between HAB and LAB rats under basal conditions. In the hippocampus, overall expression of serotonin transporter binding sites was increased in HAB compared with LAB rats. Exposure to emotional stress failed to increase intrahippocampal 5-HT release in HAB rats whereas LAB rats displayed a physiological, albeit small rise. Chronic paroxetine treatment markedly increased the stress-induced rise in hippocampal 5-HT in HAB, but not LAB rats. This effect may be (at least in part) related to a greater down-regulation of hippocampal serotonin transporter binding sites by paroxetine in HABs compared with LABs, while 5-HT1A receptor expression remained unaffected in this brain area. The findings indicate reduced hippocampal serotonergic transmission in HAB rats as compared with LAB rats, which is evident both at the presynaptic (5-HT release) and the postsynaptic (5-HT1A receptor) level. Chronic paroxetine enhanced the presynaptic responsivity in HAB rats, but not LAB rats, pointing to a preferential efficacy of paroxetine in rats with enhanced anxiety/depression-related behaviour.