Autori: Loucif AJ, Bonnavion P, Macri B, Golmard JL, Boni C, Melfort M, Leonard G, Lesch KP, Adrien J, Jacquin TD

Editorial: Wiley, Journal of Neurobiology, 66(13), p.1475-1488, 2006.

Rezumat:

Agonists at G-protein-coupled receptors in neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of knock-out mice devoid of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT -/-) exhibit lower efficacy to inhibit cellular discharge than in wild-type counterparts. Using patch-clamp whole-cell recordings, we found that a G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) current is involved in the inhibition of spike discharge induced by 5-HT1A agonists (5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and (±)-2-dipropylamino-8-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT); 50 nM–30 microM) in both wild-type and 5-HTT -/-; female and male mice. These effects were mimicked by 5′-guanylyl-imido-diphosphate (Gpp(NH)p; 400 microM) dialysis into cells with differences between genders. The 5-HTT -/-; knock-out mutation reduced the current density induced by Gpp(NH)p in females but not in males. These data suggest that the decreased response of 5-HT1A receptors to agonists in 5-HTT -/-; mutants reflects notably alteration in the coupling between G-proteins and GIRK channels in females but not in males. Accordingly, gender differences in central 5-HT neurotransmission appear to depend—at least in part—on sex-related variations in corresponding receptor-G protein signaling mechanisms.

Cuvinte cheie: G-protein-coupled receptors, dorsal raphe nucleus, serotonin transporter KO mice

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/neu.20321/abstract