Long-lasting effects of an acute stress on the neurochemistry and function of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones in the mouse brain

Abstract

The present experiments investigated the effects of a novel stress challenge (6-min swim test) on behaviour (immobility) and the neurochemistry of cortical 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones in CD1 mice. The influence of previous experience of stress (once-daily saline injection) or administration of the noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake blocker, sibutramine hydrochloride, on any changes was also evaluated. 5-HT2A receptor binding was unchanged 24 h after the last injection of either saline or sibutramine alone but immobility in the swim test was reduced to the same extent by these pretreatments. Seven days, but not 3 h, after the swim test, the density of 5-HT2A receptors and the frequency of 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head-twitches were increased significantly. These increases were prevented by saline injection, but sibutramine prevented the increase in head-twitches only. Sibutramine, but not saline, reduced 5-HT synthesis and 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head-twitches 3 h after the swim and increased synthesis at 7 days. The results indicate that a brief stress can have long-term effects on central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones. Previous experience of stress or sibutramine has marked, but dissimilar, effects on these changes. These findings might be relevant to long-lasting CNS disorders provoked, or aggravated, by stress.