5-Hydroxytryptamine increases excitability of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells

Neurological Impairments in Mice Subjected to Irradiation and Chemotherapy

Radiotherapy, surgery and the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) are frontline treatments for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However beneficial, GBM treatments nevertheless cause anxiety or depression in nearly 50% of patients. To further understand the basis of these neurological complications, we investigated the effects of combined radiotherapy and TMZ chemotherapy (combined treatment) on neurological impairments using a mouse model. Five weeks after combined treatment, mice displayed anxiety-like behaviors, and at 15 weeks both anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were observed. Relevant to the known roles of the serotonin axis in mood disorders, we found that 5HT1A serotonin receptor levels were decreased by ∼50% in the hippocampus at both early and late time points, and a 37% decrease in serotonin levels was observed at 15 weeks postirradiation. Furthermore, chronic treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine was sufficient for reversing combined treatment-induced depression-like behaviors. Combined treatment also elicited a transient early increase in activated microglia in the hippocampus, suggesting therapy-induced neuroinflammation that subsided by 15 weeks. Together, the results of this study suggest that interventions targeting the serotonin axis may help ameliorate certain neurological side effects associated with the clinical management of GBM to improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.

Effects of oxcarbazepine on monoamines content in hippocampus and head and body shakes and sleep patterns in kainic acid-treated rats

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of oxcarbazepine (OXC) on sleep patterns, "head and body shakes" and monoamine neurotransmitters level in a model of kainic-induced seizures. Adult Wistar rats were administered kainic acid (KA), OXC or OXC + KA. A polysomnographic study showed that KA induced animals to stay awake for the whole initial 10 h. OXC administration 30 min prior to KA diminished the effect of KA on the sleep parameters. As a measure of the effects of the drug treatments on behavior, head and body shakes were visually recorded for 4 h after administration of KA, OXC + KA or saline. The presence of OXC diminished the shakes frequency. 4 h after drug application, the hippocampus was dissected out, and the content of monoamines was analyzed. The presence of OXC still more increased serotonin, 5-hidroxyindole acetic acid, dopamine, and homovanilic acid, induced by KA.

Clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine and reboxetine induce changes in the TrkB content of central excitatory synapses

We have studied the effect of low doses of two widely used antidepressants, fluoxetine (Flx) and reboxetine (Rbx), on excitatory synapses of rat brain cortex and hippocampus. After 15 days of Flx treatment (0.67 mg/kg/day), its plasma level was 20.7+/-5.6 ng/ml. Analysis of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) by immunoblotting revealed no changes in the glutamate receptor subunits GluR1, NR1, NR2A/B, mGluR1alpha nor in the neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR). However, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor TrkB decreased by 42.8+/-6%, and remained decreased after 6 weeks of treatment. The BDNF and TrkB content in homogenates of cortex and hippocampus began to rise at 9 and 15 days, respectively, and remained high for up to 6 weeks. Similar results were obtained following chronic Rbx administration at 0.128 mg/kg/day. We propose that BDNF, whose synthesis is increased by antidepressants, and which is in part released at synaptic sites, binds to TrkB in PSDs, leading to the internalization of the BDNF-TrkB complex and, thus, to a decrease of TrkB in the PSDs. This was paralleled by greater levels of phosphorylated (ie activated) TrkB in the light membrane fraction, that contains signaling endosomes. The retrograde transport of endocyted BDNF/TrkB complexes from spines to cell bodies, where it activates the synthesis of more BDNF, is a protracted process, potentially requiring several cycles of TrkB/BDNF complex endocytosis and transport. This positive feedback mechanism may help explain the time-lag between drug administration and its therapeutic effect, that is, the antidepressant drug paradox.

Anticonvulsant action of hippocampal dopamine and serotonin is independently mediated by D2 and 5-HT1A receptors

The present microdialysis study evaluated the anticonvulsant activity of extracellular hippocampal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) with concomitant assessment of the possible mutual interactions between these monoamines. The anticonvulsant effects of intrahippocampally applied DA and 5-HT concentrations were evaluated against pilocarpine-induced seizures in conscious rats. DA or 5-HT perfusions protected the rats from limbic seizures as long as extracellular DA or 5-HT concentrations ranged, respectively, between 70-400% and 80-350% increases compared with the baseline levels. Co-perfusion with the selective D(2) blocker remoxipride or the selective 5-HT(1A) blocker WAY-100635 clearly abolished all anticonvulsant effects. These anticonvulsant effects were mediated independently since no mutual 5-HT and DA interactions were observed as long as extracellular DA and 5-HT levels remained within these protective ranges. Simultaneous D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptor blockade significantly aggravated pilocarpine-induced seizures. High extracellular DA (> 1000% increases) or 5-HT (> 900% increases) concentrations also worsened seizure outcome. The latter proconvulsive effects were associated with significant increases in extracellular glutamate (Glu) and mutual increases in extracellular monoamines. Our results suggest that, within a certain concentration range, DA and 5-HT contribute independently to the prevention of hippocampal epileptogenesis via, respectively, D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptor activation.

Activation of presynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors facilitates excitatory synaptic transmission via protein kinase C in the dorsolateral septal nucleus

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on EPSPs and EPSCs in the rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) were examined in the presence of GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptor antagonists. Bath application of 5-HT (10 microm) for 5-10 min increased the amplitude of the EPSP and EPSC. (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (10 microm), an agonist for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors, did not facilitate the EPSP. alpha-Methyl-5-HT (10 microm), a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, increased the amplitude of the EPSC. Alpha-methyl-5-(2-thienylmethoxy)-1H-indole-3-ethanamine (10 microm) and 6-chloro-2-(1-piperazinyl)pyrazine (10 microm), selective 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptor agonists, respectively, had no effect on the EPSP. The 5-HT-induced facilitation of the EPSP was blocked by ketanserin (10 microm), a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist. However, N-desmethylclozapine (10 microm), a selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, did not block the facilitation of the EPSP induced by alpha-methyl-5-HT. The inward current evoked by exogenous glutamate was unaffected by 5-HT. 5-HT (10 microm) and alpha-methyl-5-HT (10 microm) increased the frequency of miniature EPSPs (mEPSPs) without changing the mEPSP amplitude. The ratio of the paired pulse facilitation was significantly decreased by 5-HT and alpha-methyl-5-HT. The 5-HT-induced facilitation of the EPSP was blocked by calphostin C (100 nm), a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, but not by N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (10 microm), a protein kinase A inhibitor. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (3 microm) mimicked the facilitatory effects of 5-HT. These results suggest that 5-HT enhances the EPSP by increasing the release of glutamate via presynaptic 5-HT2A receptors that link with PKC in rat DLSN neurons.

Selective inhibition of local excitatory synaptic transmission by serotonin through an unconventional receptor in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus

1. The modulation of synaptic transmission by serotonin (5-HT) was studied using whole-cell voltage-clamp and sharp-electrode current-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurones in transverse rat hippocampal slices in vitro. 2. With GABA(A) receptors blocked, polysynaptic transmission evoked by stratum radiatum stimulation was inhibited by submicromolar concentrations of 5-HT, while monosynaptic excitatory transmission and CA1 pyramidal neurone excitability were unaffected. The effect persisted following pharmacological blockade of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(4) receptors, which directly affect CA1 pyramidal neurone excitability. 3. Concentration-response relationships for 5-HT were determined in individual neurones; the EC(50) values for block of polysynaptic excitation and inhibition by 5-HT were approximately 230 and approximately 160 nM, respectively. The 5-HT receptor type responsible for the observed effect does not fall easily into the present classification of 5-HT receptors. 4. 5-HT inhibition of polysynaptic EPSCs persisted following complete block of GABAergic transmission and in CA1 minislices, ruling out indirect effects through interneurones and non-CA1 pyramidal neurones, respectively. 5. Monosynaptic EPSCs evoked by stimulation of CA1 afferent pathways appeared to be unaffected by 5-HT. Monosynaptic EPSCs evoked by stimulation of the alveus, which contains CA1 pyramidal neurone axons, were partially inhibited by 5-HT. 6. We conclude that 5-HT inhibited synaptic transmission by acting at local recurrent collaterals of CA1 pyramidal neurones. This may represent an important physiological action of 5-HT in the hippocampus, since it occurs over a lower concentration range than the 5-HT effects reported so far.

Serotonin modifies the neuronal inhibitory responses to gamma-aminobutyric acid in the red nucleus: a microiontophoretic study in the rat

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the inhibitory responses evoked by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in neurons of the red nucleus (RN) were studied using a microiontophoretic technique. Extracellular unitary recordings performed in anesthetized rats demonstrated that 5-HT ejection influenced GABA-evoked inhibition in 94% of RN neurons, enhancing them in 52% and depressing them in 46% of cases. Both effects were specific and dose-dependent,although enhancements or depressions of the GABA responses were respectively inversely and directly related to the doses of 5-HT applied. The type of modulation exerted by 5-HT on the GABA responses was independent of the action of the amine on background firing. In fact, 5-HT induced an enhancement of the GABA responses in neurons mostly located in the rostral RN and a depression in those in the caudal RN. The application of 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, a specific 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, enhanced GABA responses, whereas alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, a 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist, depressed them. Both the 5-HT(2) antagonist methysergide and the 5-HT(2A) selective antagonist ketanserin were able to block partially or totally the depressive action of 5-HT on GABA responses. In contrast, the same 5-HT antagonists mimicked the enhancing action of 5-HT on the GABA responses or were ineffective. Application of bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, enhanced the excitatory action of 5-HT on the background firing and slightly reduced the inhibitory action. It is concluded that 5-HT is able to modulate GABA-evoked responses in RN neurons by acting on both 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. The functional significance of a serotonergic control on GABAergic inhibitory effects in RN is discussed.

5-Hydroxytryptamine2C receptors on spinal neurons controlling penile erection in the rat

The localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptors in the lumbosacral spinal cord of the rat was investigated using selective antibodies raised against the carboxyl-terminal part of the rat receptor. The distribution of immunoperoxidase labelling at the light microscope level revealed numerous labelled neurons in the gray matter, with a higher intensity in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus, the dorsal gray commissure and particularly the motoneurons of the ventral horn. Confocal microscope analysis showed that immunostaining was mainly intracellular (motoneurons), but could also be associated with the membrane of cell bodies and dendrites. Actually, electron microscope immunogold experiments demonstrated an exclusive staining of the cis-Golgi apparatus. Following pseudo-rabies virus transsynaptic retrograde labelling from the corpus cavernosum, labelled neurons were found in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and the dorsal gray commissure of the L6-S1 segments. All virus-labelled neurons exhibited 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptor immunoreactivity. These results indicate that all parasympathetic preganglionic neurons and their related interneurons which contribute to the innervation of cavernosal tissue bear 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptors. In the sacral parasympathetic nucleus, most neurons which were retrogradely-labelled from the pelvic ganglion with Fast Blue also showed 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptor immunoreactivity. In the ventral horn, motoneurons retrogradely labelled from the ischiocavernosus muscle and the bulbospongiosus muscle, both of which are involved in erection and ejaculation, were also 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptor-immunopositive. The supraspinal serotoninergic control of erection at the lumbosacral level therefore appears to be strongly associated with the activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptors, consistent with the proerectile properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine2C agonists.

Long-term antidepressant treatments result in a tonic activation of forebrain 5-HT1A receptors

We report here the first direct functional evidence of an increase in the tonic activation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors by antidepressant treatments. Because 5-HT1A receptor activation hyperpolarizes and inhibits CA3 pyramidal neurons in the dorsal hippocampus, we determined, using in vivo extracellular recording, whether the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100635 could disinhibit these neurons. Unexpectedly, no disinhibition could be detected in controls. However, after long-term treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor paroxetine, the reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor befloxatone, the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist mirtazapine, or the 5-HT1A receptor agonist gepirone or multiple electroconvulsive shock (ECS) administration, WAY 100635 markedly increased (60-200%) the firing activity of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Such a disinhibition was absent in rats treated with the nonantidepressant drug chlorpromazine, in rats receiving only one ECS, or in rats receiving multiple ECSs in combination with an intrahippocampal pertussis toxin treatment to inactivate Gi/o-coupled 5-HT1A receptors. These data indicate that such antidepressant treatments, acting on entirely different primary targets, might alleviate depression by enhancing the tonic activation of forebrain postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

Comparison of the effects of serotonin in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex

Among the molecular, cellular, and systemic events that have been proposed to modulate the function of the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex (EC), one of the most frequently cited possibilities is the activation of the serotonergic system. Neurons in the hippocampus and in the EC receive a strong serotonergic projection from the raphe nuclei and express serotonin (5-HT) receptors at high density. Here we review the various effects of 5-HT on intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons in the hippocampus and the EC. Although similar membrane-potential changes following 5-HT application have been reported for neurons of the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus, the effects of serotonin on synaptic transmission are contrary in both areas. Serotonin mainly depresses fast and slow inhibition of the principal output cells of the hippocampus, whereas it selectively suppresses the excitation in the entorhinal cortex. On the basis of these data, we discuss the possible role of serotonin under physiological and pathophysiological circumstances.

Serotonin blocks different patterns of low Mg2+-induced epileptiform activity in rat entorhinal cortex, but not hippocampus

Low Mg2+-induced epileptiform activity in the entorhinal cortex is characterized by an initial expression of seizure-like events followed by late recurrent discharges. Both these forms of activity as well as the transition between them were blocked by serotonin. In contrast, serotonin had little effect upon the epileptiform activity in areas CA3 and CA1 of the hippocampus. Both forms of epileptiform activity in the entorhinal cortex are sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and it is shown here that serotonin blocked both types of epileptiform activity through an effective concentration-dependent reduction of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials in deep layer entorhinal cortex cells. Serotonin also prolonged or even prevented the transition between the two types of epileptiform activity and we suggest that this may be through activation of the Na+/K+-ATPase. The resistance of epileptiform activity in CA1 and CA3 to serotonin was most likely related to the inability of serotonin to reduce Schaffer collateral-evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Given the strong serotonergic inputs to both the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, the differential sensitivity of the two regions to serotonin suggests functional differences. In addition since the late recurrent discharges in the entorhinal cortex are resistant to all clinically used anticonvulsants, serotonin may open new avenues for the development of novel anticonvulsant compounds.

Serotonin and 8-OH-DPAT reduce excitatory transmission in rat hippocampal area CA1 via reduction in presumed presynaptic Ca2+ entry

The effect of 5-HT and its 1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) on excitatory transmission in CA1 pyramidal cells was studied. Using concentrations of 5-HT within a range of 10-50 microM we observed no change in excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in CA1 cells evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation. However, at higher concentrations, > or = 100 microM, 5-HT caused a significant decrease (30-40%) in EPSP/Cs, an effect that was also mimicked by 50 microM 8-OH-DPAT. A presumed presynaptic Ca2+ entry was measured in stratum radiatum following repetitive stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals with all excitatory synaptic transmission blocked. Both 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT reduced this Ca2+ entry. These results suggest that 5-HT acts at presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors to reduce Ca2+ entry and thereby glutamatergic synaptic transmission.

Serotonin reduces synaptic excitation of principal cells in the superficial layers of rat hippocampal-entorhinal cortex combined slices

The cells of the entorhinal cortex receive a dense innervation of serotonergic fibres from the Raphe nuclei and express a high density of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptors. We investigated the effects of serotonin on excitatory synaptic transmission in principal cells from entorhinal cortex layers II and III within hippocampal-entorhinal cortex combined slices. Although serotonin had an effect upon the membrane conductance of some, but not all cells, its most pronounced action was to reduce stimulus evoked excitatory synaptic potentials and currents (EPSP/Cs). Both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated EPSPs were reduced to similar extents over a range of concentrations. Since the principal cells in layer II and layer III are the main projection cells of the entorhinal cortex, these inhibitory effects of serotonin may have implications for the transfer of information to the hippocampus.

5-HT1A and 5-HT4 receptor colocalization on hippocampal pyramidal cells

The mixed inhibitory and excitatory effects of 5-HT on hippocampal pyramidal cells were studied on hippocampal slices perfused with a low-Ca2+/high Mg2+ solution that blocked synaptic activity and induced spontaneous pyramidal cell discharge. Extracellular recordings of the spontaneous discharge revealed that, in 65% of the cells, 5-HT (0.5-10 microM) initially inhibited and then, upon washout, facilitated spontaneous discharge. Sometimes the off-stimulation persisted for the duration of the experiment. In 17% of the cells the response to 5-HT was only stimulatory, and in 15% the response was exclusively inhibitory. The 5-HT1 agonists, 8-hydroxy-dipropylamino-tetraline, and 5-carboxamidotryptamine produced inhibition with no excitatory responses upon washout. The inhibition was blocked by spiroxatrine indicating it was mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. The 5-HT3 agonist, 2-methyl 5-HT, had no effect, and the 5-HT2 antagonist, ketanserin, did not alter the excitatory responses to 5-HT. This indicates the excitatory response is not mediated by 5-HT2 or 3 receptors. Cisapride, a 5-HT4 agonist increased pyramidal cell discharge. The 5-HT3 & 4 antagonist, ICS 205-930 antagonized the excitatory responses to 5-HT, alpha-methyl 5-HT, and cisapride, indicating the excitatory response is mediated, in part, by 5-HT4 receptors. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutyl-methyl-xanthine, stimulated pyramidal cell discharge and potentiated the response to cisapride. This further suggests 5-HT4 receptor involvement since these receptors are positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase.

The effect of ritanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, on ischemic cerebral blood flow and infarct volume in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In a previous study from our laboratory, ritanserin, a specific 5-HT2 serotonin receptor antagonist, reduced ischemic damage in the setting of transient global ischemia. In this study, we examined the effect of ritanserin on ischemic cerebral blood flow, systemic blood pressure, and infarct volume in the model of permanent focal ischemia with brain temperature controlled at 35.0 degrees C to 36.0 degrees C.

METHODS

Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The right middle cerebral artery was permanently occluded. Ritanserin (8 mg/kg) or vehicle was continuously administered intravenously for 90 minutes starting 10 minutes after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Cerebral blood flow was monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry in the ischemic cortex before and for 2 hours after arterial occlusion. Brains were perfusion-fixed 3 days later, and infarct volumes were measured.

RESULTS

Mean arterial blood pressure was not affected by treatment. In the vehicle and ritanserin groups, mean ischemic cerebral blood flow (percent of preischemic values) was 34.6 +/- 14.7% (mean +/- SD) and 26.6 +/- 15.0%, respectively. Hemispheric infarct volumes were 119.3 +/- 49.4 mm3 and 136.6 +/- 49.6 mm3, respectively. No significant differences were recognized.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous administration of ritanserin did not affect mean arterial blood pressure or cerebral blood flow in the ischemic region during the acute phase of ischemia. No protective effect of ritanserin was apparent in the setting of permanent focal ischemia when treatment was begun shortly after the onset of ischemia.

Effects of serotonin on hilar neurons and granule cell inhibition in the guinea pig hippocampal slice

Intracellular recordings in guinea pig hippocampal slices were used to study the effects of serotonin (5-HT) on presumed inhibitory hilar neurons and on postsynaptic inhibition of granule cells. 5-HT applied by the bath hyperpolarized only 50% of the hilar neurons tested but all CA3 neurons and granule cells, presumably by activating a K-conductance. The bath application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 50 microM) induced burst discharge activity in hilar neurons and giant inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in granule cells consisting of a Cl- and K-component. 5-HT (5-10 microM) reversibly blocked the K-component of giant IPSPs in granule cells, but not their Cl-component. In the majority of hilar neurons 5-HT increased the frequency of 4-AP induced burst discharges even when hilar neurons were hyperpolarized. Only in a few hilar neurons 5-HT blocked 4-AP induced burst discharges. We conclude that the changes in burst discharge pattern of hilar neurons correspond with the differential effect of 5-HT on Cl- and K-mediated inhibition of granule cells.

Effects of serotonergic drugs in experimental brain ischemia: evidence for a protective role of serotonin in cerebral ischemia

We have examined the significance of the serotonergic system in the pathophysiology of ischemic brain damage. Permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was performed in male NMRI mice. After 48 h, the animals received a transcardiac injection of carbon black. The area of ischemia was restricted to the neocortex and its size was determined planimetrically by means of an image analyzing system. In control experiments, the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801), the AMPA/kainate antagonist NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(F)-quinoxaline) and the L-type calcium channel blocker nimodipine all produced a significant reduction in ischemic injury of the mouse neocortex. Interestingly, all of the 5-HT1A agonists tested (ipsapirone, CM 57493 [4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-(2-cyanoethyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine ] and urapidil) were equally efficacious in reducing ischemic injury. On the other hand, the 5-HT2 antagonist naftidrofuryl failed to protect the brain tissue significantly against ischemic brain damage. Roxindole, a 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT uptake inhibitor, was the most potent serotonergic compound tested. In order to examine the effects of 5-HT1A receptor activation in a different context, 10 min of forebrain ischemia was induced in male Wistar rats by a bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries combined with systemic hypotension. Administration of the 5-HT1A agonist CM 57493 reduced the neuronal damage within the ventral hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex as assessed histologically 7 days after ischemia. Finally, we found that 5-HT1A agonists are capable of reducing neuronal damage of cultured neocortical and hippocampal neurons subjected to a chemical hypoxia or glutamate in a dose dependent manner. These data suggest that 5-HT, released during ischemia, may have protective effects in the pathophysiology of ischemic brain damage through a direct action on neurons mediated via the inhibitory 5-HT1A receptor subtype. The results obtained from different in vivo and in vitro models indicate that 5-HT1A agonists are promising agents for the treatment of ischemic brain disorders.