title: Disruption of the serotonergic system after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in a rodent model.
abstract: Identifying which specific neuronal phenotypes are vulnerable to neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, where in the brain they are damaged, and the mechanisms that produce neuronal losses are critical to determine the anatomical substrates responsible for neurological impairments in hypoxic-ischemic brain-injured neonates. Here we describe our current work investigating how the serotonergic network in the brain is disrupted in a rodent model of preterm hypoxia-ischemia. One week after postnatal day 3 hypoxia-ischemia, losses of serotonergic raphé neurons, reductions in serotonin levels in the brain, and reduced serotonin transporter expression are evident. These changes can be prevented using two anti-inflammatory interventions; the postinsult administration of minocycline or ibuprofen. However, each drug has its own limitations and benefits for use in neonates to stem damage to the serotonergic network after hypoxia-ischemia. By understanding the fundamental mechanisms underpinning hypoxia-ischemia-induced serotonergic damage we will hopefully move closer to developing a successful clinical intervention to treat neonatal brain injury.
authors.affiliation: Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia.
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Buller
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wixey
authors.forename: Hanna E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Reinebrant