Serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptors regulate anxiety-like behavior.
Central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) systems have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders, which are among the world's most prevalent psychiatric conditions. Here, we report that the 5-HT(2C) receptor (5-HT(2C)R) subtype is critically involved in regulating behaviors characteristic of anxiety using male 5-HT(2C)R knockout (KO) mice. Specific neural substrates underlying the 5-HT(2C)R KO anxiolytic phenotype were investigated, and we report that 5-HT(2C)R KO mice display a selective blunting of extended amygdala corticotropin-releasing hormone neuronal activation in response to anxiety stimuli. These findings illustrate a mechanism through which 5-HT(2C)Rs affect anxiety-related behavior and provide insight into the neural circuitry mediating the complex psychological process of anxiety.
Heisler
L K
LK
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. lkh30@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Zhou
L
L
Bajwa
P
P
Hsu
J
J
Tecott
L H
LH
D000679:Amygdala / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000378:metabolism*; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D044405:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone