Sex differences in neurochemical and behavioural effects of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin.
A number of neurochemical investigations have shown that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism and turnover is greater in females than male rats. However increased 5-HT metabolism does not necessarily imply greater 5-HT release at the functional post-synaptic sites. Pharmacological research based on 5-HT receptor stimulation therefore gained attention. Studies of this type are complicated because of the multiplicity of 5-HT receptors in the central nervous system. Chemical ligands may not have sufficient selectivity, to specifically bind to a single receptor population. Moreover, both the density and distribution of 5-HT receptors may follow a different pattern in male and female rats. 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) is a centrally acting 5-HT agonist with a ligand binding profile showing selectivity towards 5-HT-1A receptor sites. The present article integrates research on neurochemical and behavioural effects of 8-OH-DPAT in male and female rats, in order to investigate sex-related differences in 5-HT-1A receptor dependent functions.
Haleem
D J
DJ
Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Neurology, London, U.K.
D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D012737:Sex Factors; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D012701:Serotonin; D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin