5-hydroxytryptamine is a fast excitatory transmitter at 5-HT3 receptors in rat amygdala

S. Sugita, K. Z. Shen, R. A. North

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

169 Scopus citations

Abstract

A fast excitatory synaptic potential mediated by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was recorded in rat lateral amygdala neurons in brain slices. The synaptic potential has brief duration (tens of milliseconds), is mimicked by 5-HT, is potentiated by a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, and is blocked by selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The underlying synaptic current reversed polarity at about 0 mV. This is an example of fast neurotransmission in the mammalian brain mediated by an amine rather than an amino acid. The antiemetic, anxiolytic, and perhaps antipsychotic actions of 5-HT3 antagonists might result from blockade of such synapses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)199-203
Number of pages5
JournalNeuron
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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