Hyperpolarization of serotonergic neurons by serotonin and LSD: studies in brain slices showing increased K+ conductance

Abstract

Serotonin and LSD hyperpolarized serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons in rat midbrain slices; the hyperpolarizations were accompanied by a decrease in input resistance, suggesting an increase in potassium conductance as one possible mechanism. Reversal potentials for serotonin and LSD-induced hyperpolarizations showed a shift of approximately 18 mV for a two-fold change in extracellular potassium concentration; this shift was close to that predicted by the Nernst equation for a potassium-dependent conductance.