Regulation of synapse density by 5-HT2A receptor agonist and antagonist in the spinal cord of chicken embryo.
Identification of mechanisms that regulate the number of synapses in the brain has been a key issue for understanding the mechanism of plasticity. Here, we report that the density of synapses can be changed using an antagonist and/or an agonist of serotonin (5-HT) type 2A receptors in the chicken spinal cord. Because of the widespread distribution pattern of 5-HT fibers and 5-HT2A receptors in the central nervous system, 5-HT is thought to play a role in the formation and maintenance of synapses that are involved in normal brain function and mechanism of plasticity.
Niitsu
Y
Y
Department of Anatomy, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Hamada
S
S
Hamaguchi
K
K
Mikuni
M
M
Okado
N
N
D000662:Amphetamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008784:Methysergide / Q000494:pharmacology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000662:Amphetamines; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C076823:1-(2,5-dimethyl-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane; D007650:Ketanserin; D008784:Methysergide