On the transmitter function of 5-hydroxytryptamine at excitatory and inhibitory monosynaptic junctions

Modification of glial response in hibernation: a patch-clamp study on glial cells acutely isolated from hibernating land snail

Hibernation is a dormant state of some animal species that enables them to survive harsh environmental conditions during the winter seasons. In the hibernating state, preservation of neuronal rhythmic activity at a low level is necessary for maintenance of suspended forms of behavior. As glial cells support rhythmic activity of neurons, preservation of brain function in the hibernating state implies accompanying modification of glial activity. A supportive role of glia in regulating neuronal activity is reflected through the activity of inwardly rectifying K+ channels (Kir). Therefore, we examined electrophysiological response, particularly Kir current response, of glial cells in mixture with neurons acutely isolated from active and hibernating land snail Helix pomatia. Our data show that hibernated glia have significantly lower inward current density, specific membrane conductance, and conductance density compared with active glia. The observed reduction could be attributed to the Kir currents, since the Ba2+-sensitive Kir current density was significantly lower in hibernated glia. Accordingly, a significant positive shift of the current reversal potential indicated a more depolarized state of hibernated glia. Data obtained show that modification of glial current response could be regulated by serotonin (5-HT) through an increase of cGMP as a secondary messenger, since extracellular addition of 5-HT or intracellular administration of cGMP to active glia induced a significant reduction of inward current density and thus mimicked the reduced response of hibernated glia. Lower Kir current density of hibernated glia accompanied the lower electrical activity of hibernated neurons, as revealed by a decrease in neuronal fast inward Na+ current density. Our findings reveal that glial response is reduced in the hibernating state and suggest seasonal modulation of glial activity. Maintenance of low glial activity in hibernation could be important for preservation of brain rhythmic activity and survival of the animal.

Localization of serotonin in the nervous system of Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host for schistosomiasis

The digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni that causes the form of schistosomiasis found in the Western Hemisphere requires the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata as its primary intermediate host. It has been proposed that the transition from the free-living S. mansoni miracidium to parasitic mother sporocyst depends on uptake of biogenic amines, e.g. serotonin, from the snail host. However, little is known about potential sources of serotonin in B. glabrata tissues. This investigation examined the localization of serotonin-like immunoreactivity (5HTli) in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues of B. glabrata. Emphasis was placed on the cephalic and anterior pedal regions that are commonly the sites of S. mansoni miracidium penetration. The anterior foot and body wall were densely innervated by 5HTli fibers but no peripheral immunoreactive neuronal somata were detected. Within the CNS, clusters of 5HTli neurons were observed in the cerebral, pedal, left parietal, and visceral ganglia, suggesting that the peripheral serotonergic fibers originate from the CNS. Double-labeling experiments (biocytin backfill × serotonin immunoreactivity) of the tentacular nerve and the three major pedal nerves (Pd n. 10, Pd n. 11, and Pd n. 12) disclosed central neurons that project to the cephalopedal periphery. Overall, the central distribution of 5HTli neurons suggests that, as in other gastropods, serotonin regulates the locomotion, reproductive, and feeding systems of Biomphalaria. The projections to the foot and body wall indicate that serotonin may also participate in defensive, nociceptive, or inflammation responses. These observations identify potential sources of host-derived serotonin in this parasite-host system. Inc.

The neuronal control of cardiac functions in Molluscs

In this manuscript, I review the current and relevant classical studies on properties of the Mollusca heart and their central nervous system including ganglia, neurons, and nerves involved in cardiomodulation. Similar to mammalian brain hemispheres, these invertebrates possess symmetrical pairs of ganglia albeit visceral (only one) ganglion and the parietal ganglia (the right ganglion is bigger than the left one). Furthermore, there are two major regulatory drives into the compartments (pericard, auricle, and ventricle) and cardiomyocytes of the heart. These are the excitatory and inhibitory signals that originate from a few designated neurons and their putative neurotransmitters. Many of these neurons are well-identified, their specific locations within the corresponding ganglion are mapped, and some are termed as either heart excitatory (HE) or inhibitory (HI) cells. The remaining neurons are classified as cardio-regulatory, and their direct and indirect actions on the heart's function have been documented. The cardiovascular anatomy of frequently used experimental animals, Achatina, Aplysia, Helix, and Lymnaea is relatively simple. However, as in humans, it possesses all major components including even trabeculae and atrio-ventricular valves. Since the myocardial cells are enzymatically dispersible, multiple voltage dependent cationic currents in isolated cardiomyocytes are described. The latter include at least the A-type K(+), delayed rectifier K(+), TTX-sensitive Na(+), and L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Localization of biogenic amines in the foregut of Aplysia californica: catecholaminergic and serotonergic innervation

This study examined the catecholaminergic and serotonergic innervation of the foregut of Aplysia californica, a model system in which the control of feeding behaviors can be investigated at the cellular level. Similar numbers (15-25) of serotonin-like-immunoreactive (5HTli) and tyrosine hydroxylase-like-immunoreactive (THli) fibers were present in each (bilateral) esophageal nerve (En), the major source of pregastric neural innervation in this system. The majority of En 5HTli and THli fibers originated from the anterior branch (En(2)), which innervates the pharynx and the anterior esophagus. Fewer fibers were present in the posterior branch (En(1)), which innervates the majority of the esophagus and the crop. Backfills of the two En branches toward the central nervous system (CNS) labeled a single, centrifugally projecting serotonergic fiber, originating from the metacerebral cell (MCC). The MCC fiber projected only to En(2). No central THli neurons were found to project to the En. Surveys of the pharynx and esophagus revealed major differences between their patterns of catecholaminergic (CA) and serotonergic innervation. Whereas THli fibers and cell bodies were distributed throughout the foregut, 5HTli fibers were present in restricted plexi, and no 5HTli somata were detected. Double-labeling experiments in the periphery revealed THli neurons projecting toward the buccal ganglion via En(2). Other afferents received dense perisomatic serotonergic innervation. Finally, qualitative and quantitative differences were observed between the buccal motor programs (BMPs) produced by stimulation of the two En branches. These observations increase our understanding of aminergic contributions to the pregastric regulation of Aplysia feeding behaviors.

Serotonin Induces a Cyclic AMP-Mediated Outwardly Rectifying Slow K+ Current in a Single Identified Snail Neuron

In the F2 neuron of the parietal ganglion of the snail Helix aspersa either bath or iontophoretic application of serotonin (5-HT) induces an outward current. This current has a long latency (10 - 60 s) and a slow time course, a 500 ms iontophoretic application of 5-HT evoking a response lasting 3 - 5 min. This slow outward current reverses at -80 mV, a value equal to EK. After doubling the extracellular K+ concentration the reversal potential of the 5-HT response is shifted by 19 mV, as predicted by the Nernst equation. The I-V curves reveal that the 5-HT-induced slow outward current is outwardly rectifying. This 5-HT response is blocked by intracellular Cs+ and tetraethylammonium (TEA+) and by extracellular TEA+ and Ba2+, but is not affected by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ or the intracellular injection of ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-amino-ethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA). These results indicate that the outwardly rectifying slow outward current induced by 5-HT in the F2 neuron is carried by K+ and is Ca2+-independent. In the single isolated F2 neuron, 5-HT induces a 2.5-fold stimulation of the adenylate cyclase activity. In addition, both the intracellular injection of 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the application of forskolin mimic the effect of 5-HT on the F2 neuron. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine also induces a slow outward current and potentiates the 5-HT response. The intracellular injection of a synthetic 20-residue peptide inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase blocks the slow outward K+ current induced by 5-HT. These results show that in the F2 neuron, 5-HT elicits a slow K+ current via the stimulation of adenylate cyclase, an increase in intracellular cAMP and the activation of the cAMP-dependent kinase which probably phosphorylates a population of outwardly rectifying K+ channels or some protein/s associated with these channels.

Serotonergic and peptidergic modulation of the buccal mass protractor muscle (I2) in aplysia

Plasticity of Aplysia feeding has largely been measured by noting changes in radula protraction. On the basis of previous work, it has been suggested that peripheral modulation may contribute to behavioral plasticity. However, peripheral plasticity has not been demonstrated in the neuromuscular systems that participate in radula protraction. Therefore in this study we investigated whether contractions of a major radula protraction muscle (I2) are subject to modulation. We demonstrate, first, that an increase in the firing frequency of the cholinergic I2 motoneurons will increase the amplitude of the resulting muscle contraction but will not modulate its relaxation rate. We show, second, that neuronal processes on the I2 muscle are immunoreactive to myomodulin (MM), RFamide, and serotonin (5-HT), but not to small cardioactive peptide (SCP) or buccalin. The I2 motoneurons B31, B32, B61, and B62 are not immunoreactive to RFamide, 5-HT, SCP, or buccalin. However, all four cells are MM immunoreactive and are capable of synthesizing MMa. Third, we show that the bioactivity of the different modulators is somewhat different; while the MMs (i.e., MMa and MMb) and 5-HT increase I2 muscle relaxation rate, and potentiate muscle contraction amplitude, MMa, at high concentrations, depresses muscle contractions. Fourth, our data suggest that cAMP at least partially mediates effects of modulators on contraction amplitude and relaxation rate.

Effect of a serotonergic extrinsic modulatory neuron (MCC) on radula mechanoafferent function in Aplysia

The serotonergic metacerebral cells (MCCs) and homologous neurons in related mollusks have been extensively investigated within the context of feeding. Although previous work has indicated that the MCCs exert widespread actions, MCC modulation of sensory neurons has not been identified. We characterized interactions between the MCCs and a cell that is part of a recently described group of buccal radula mechanoafferents. The cell, B21, has a peripheral process in the tissue underlying the chitinous radula [the subradula tissue (SRT)]. Previous studies have shown that B21 can fire phasically during ingestive motor programs and provide excitatory drive to the circuitry active during radula closing/retraction. We now show that activity of B21 can be modulated by serotonin (5-HT) and the MCCs. Centrally, although a slow depolarization is typically recorded in B21 as a result of MCC stimulation, this depolarization does not cause B21 to spike. It can, however, increase B21 excitability enabling a pulse that was previously subthreshold to elicit an action potential in B21. B21 is in fact rhythmically depolarized during the radula closing/retraction phase of ingestive motor programs. Thus central effects of the MCCs on radula mechanoafferent activity are only likely to be apparent while B21 is receiving input from the feeding central pattern generator. Peripherally, radula mechanoafferent neurons can be activated 1) when a mechanical stimulus is applied to the biting surface of the SRT and 2) when the SRT contracts. MCC stimulation and 5-HT modulate B21 responses to both types of stimuli. For example, MCC stimulation and low concentrations of 5-HT cause subthreshold mechanical stimuli applied to the SRT to become suprathreshold. 5-HT and MCC stimulation also enhance SRT contractility. Peripheral effects of MCC activity are also likely to be phase dependent. For example, MCC stimulation does not cause B21 to respond to peripheral stimuli with an afterdischarge. Consequently, radula mechanoafferents are likely to be activated when food is present between the radula halves during radula closing/retraction but are not likely to continue to fire as opening/protraction is initiated. In a similar vein, MCC effects on the contractility of the SRT will only be apparent when contractions are elicited by motor neuron activity. SRT motor neurons are rhythmically activated during ingestive motor programs. Thus we have shown that radula mechanoafferent activity can be modulated by the MCCs and that this modulation is likely to occur in a phase-dependent manner.

Cloning and functional expression of an Aplysia 5-HT receptor negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the control of various behaviors in Aplysia californica, including reproduction, feeding, locomotion, circadian rhythm, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic growth. The large variety of functions of 5-HT is mediated by different receptor subtypes that are coupled to different second-messenger systems. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA coding for an Aplysia G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptor (5-HTap1). Its deduced amino acid sequence resembles those of the 5-HT1 receptor subfamily. When expressed in stable cell lines, 5-HTap1 exhibits high-affinity binding for the serotonergic radioligand [N-methyl-3H]lysergic acid diethylamide. This binding is competed by several 5-HT agonists and antagonists, and the pharmacological profile of inhibition has some similarities with those of 5-HT1 and 5-HT7 receptors. Application of 5-HT or its agonists 5-carboxamidotryptamine maleate and (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin hydrobromide on cells transformed with 5-HTap1 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. 5-HTap1 is thus negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The production of antiserum against the 5-HTap1 receptor allowed us to examine its expression in animal tissues. The receptor protein is detected in every tissue examined, although it seems only weakly expressed in some samples. The receptor is also found in every ganglia of the nervous system, both in the sheath and in the neurons. 5-HTap1 mRNA is absent from the sheath, indicating that the protein observed there is probably located on the nerve terminals.

Cloning and functional expression of an Aplysia 5-HT receptor negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the control of various behaviors in Aplysia californica, including reproduction, feeding, locomotion, circadian rhythm, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic growth. The large variety of functions of 5-HT is mediated by different receptor subtypes that are coupled to different second-messenger systems. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA coding for an Aplysia G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptor (5-HTap1). Its deduced amino acid sequence resembles those of the 5-HT1 receptor subfamily. When expressed in stable cell lines, 5-HTap1 exhibits high-affinity binding for the serotonergic radioligand [N-methyl-3H]lysergic acid diethylamide. This binding is competed by several 5-HT agonists and antagonists, and the pharmacological profile of inhibition has some similarities with those of 5-HT1 and 5-HT7 receptors. Application of 5-HT or its agonists 5-carboxamidotryptamine maleate and (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin hydrobromide on cells transformed with 5-HTap1 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. 5-HTap1 is thus negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The production of antiserum against the 5-HTap1 receptor allowed us to examine its expression in animal tissues. The receptor protein is detected in every tissue examined, although it seems only weakly expressed in some samples. The receptor is also found in every ganglia of the nervous system, both in the sheath and in the neurons. 5-HTap1 mRNA is absent from the sheath, indicating that the protein observed there is probably located on the nerve terminals.

Serotonin depletion after prolonged chlorpromazine treatment in a simpler model system

1. Prolonged exposure of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis to micromolar concentrations of chlorpromazine (CPZ) results in marked changes in the serotonin (5-HT) content of the central nervous system. 2. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection indicates that levels of 5-HT, but not those of dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (DOPA), dopamine or norepinephrine, were significantly decreased (e.g., to less than 40% of normal after 30 days of exposure to 1 microM CPZ in the bathing water). 3. Glyoxylate-induced fluorescence was depressed to undetectable levels in central, serotonergic neurons. 4. Performance of 5-HT-dependent motor behaviors was impaired. 5. The present results, in accord with earlier studies on the effects of chronic exposure to haloperidol, suggest that previously overlooked mechanisms of monoamine downregulation may contribute to long-term effects of antipsychotic drugs.

Modulation and selection of neurotransmitter responses during synapse formation between identified leech neurons

1. Serotonin (5-HT) modulates two different responses in the pressure sensitive neurons (P) of the leech: an inhibitory, Cl- dependent synaptic response and a depolarizing extrasynaptic response. 2. Serotonergic Retzius cells (R) in vivo and in culture elicit inhibitory Cl- dependent responses in P neurons. Moreover, at discrete sites of contact between R and P cells, the excitatory response to 5-HT is gradually lost prior to synapse formation. This phenomenon is specifically mediated by R cells. 3. The extrasynaptic response is mediated by cation channels sensitive to protein kinase C (PKC). Cation channels are present at the sites of contact but they become insensitive to PKC. Moreover, cation channels from single P cells are no longer modulated by PKC if they are inserted (by cramming the patch pipette) into the cytoplasm of a P cell in contact with an R cell. 4. Blockers of tyrosine kinases prevent the uncoupling of cation channel modulation and inhibit synapse formation between the R and the P neurons. 5. We suggest that cell contact induces an intracellular, tyrosine kinase-dependent signal as part of the mechanism of neuronal recognition leading to synapse formation.

Modulation of in vivo neuronal sprouting by serotonin in the adult CNS of the snail

1. During in situ recovery from a lesion to the cerebrobuccal connective (CBC) in the snail Achatina fulica, neurons of the buccal ganglia undergo extensive regeneration and sprouting as assessed by axonal dye-fillings of the CBC. 2. These changes are preceded by the distal degeneration of severed fibres from the serotonergic metacerebral giant neuron (MCG), which results in the depletion of serotonin (5-HT) in the ipsilateral buccal ganglion. We have investigated the potential role of this depletion in causing some of the ensuing neuroplastic events. 3. Pharmacological depletion of 5-HT using either 5,7-dihydroxtryptamine or p-chlorophenylalanine in normal, unlesioned animals was found to produce supernumerary neuronal labelling similar to that seen following a lesion. 4. Systemic daily injections of 5-HT were found to partly suppress the sprouting response following the CBC lesion. For example, the contralateral, uninjured MCG which is normally induced by the lesion to sprout novel projections into the denervated ganglion, is suppressed from doing so by the 5-HT treatment. 5. These growth inhibiting effects of 5-HT upon the contralateral MCG could be antagonized by the prior administration of the 5-HT receptor blocker cyproheptadine, suggesting a specific receptor mediated action. 6. We suggest that 5-HT may play a role in governing the state of neuronal outgrowth in vivo in the CNS of the adult snail, as has been suggested by early development and neuronal cultural studies.

Tyrosine hydroxylase-negative, dopaminergic neurons are targets for transmitter-depleting action of haloperidol in the snail brain

1. The effects of long term administration of micromolar concentrations of the D2 antagonist haloperidol upon monoaminergic neurons in the snail Lymnaea stagnalis was investigated. 2. Treatment by bath application with 0.5-2.0 micromolar haloperidol, caused a significant, continuous depletion of dopamine levels in the nervous system as revealed by high performance liquid chromatography. 3. A transient depletion of serotonin was also observed, but DOPA and norepinephrine levels were unaffected. Similar depletion of dopamine was observed after the land snail, Achatina fulica, was injected with haloperidol on each of 4 consecutive days. 4. The depletion of dopamine as revealed with glyoxylate-induced fluorescence in Lymnaea appears to be restricted to a subpopulation of catecholaminergic neurons which are immuno-negative for tyrosine hydroxylase, the synthetic enzyme responsible for the conversion of tyrosine to DOPA. 5. The results thus demonstrate a depleting action of low micromolar doses of chronic haloperidol on specific subsets of dopaminergic neurons and a novel preparation for studying catecholaminergic mechanisms operating across the animal kingdom.

Neurotransmitter basis of mollusc behavior: control of choice between the orienting and the defense response to the presentation of an unfamiliar object

The role of the serotoninergic and opioid systems in the choice between a passive defensive and an orienting response of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis to the presentation of an unfamiliar object was studied. Under the influence of 5-HTP, a metabolic precursor of serotonin, orienting and investigatory behavior was activated; the number of protective reactions decreased. Under the influence of naloxone, an antagonist of opiate receptors, the proportion of orienting responses decreased, and the number of passive defensive avoidance and freezing reactions increased. The influence of the agents investigated on the attitude of the snail to a novel object was found to be well coordinated with their influence on other forms of behavior and the behavioral state of the mollusc as a whole.

Evidence that the 5-HT3 receptors of the rat, mouse and guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion may be different

1. Using grease-gap recordings from the isolated superior cervical ganglion of mouse, rat and guinea-pig, we have compared the depolarization evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with that evoked by the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (2-Me-5-HT). 2. The maximum depolarization induced by 2-Me-5-HT was smaller than that induced by 5-HT in all three species, and particularly in the guinea-pig. 3. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 microM) caused a clear rightward shift of the dose-response curve to 5-HT on the guinea-pig ganglion, but not on the mouse or rat ganglion. Spiperone (0.03 microM) had a quantitatively similar action to ketanserin (0.1 microM) on the 5-HT dose-response curve of the guinea-pig ganglion. Ketanserin had no significant effect on the dose-response curve to 2-Me-5-HT on any of these ganglia. 4. Using 2-Me-5-HT as the agonist, we determined the pA2 values for two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The potency of ICS 205-930 varied by approximately 100 fold between the species and that of (+)-tubocurarine varied by over 1000 fold. The differences in the pA2 values of these compounds varied independently among the species. 5. We conclude that 5-HT3 receptors are present on the superior cervical ganglion from the rat, mouse and guinea-pig, but these receptors may be pharmacologically distinct from each other. In addition, the depolarization of the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion by low concentrations of 5-HT is largely mediated by ketanserin-sensitive receptors.

Selection of transmitter responses at sites of neurite contact during synapse formation between identified leech neurons

1. Pressure sensitive (P) neurons of the leech Hirudo medicinalis show both an inhibitory, Cl(-)-dependent response and a depolarizing, cationic response to pipette application of serotonin (5-HT). Serotonergic Retzius (R) neurons in culture reform inhibitory, Cl(-)-dependent synapses with P neurons but fail to elicit the extrasynaptic, depolarizing response to 5-HT. We have examined the localization of the selection of 5-HT responses by testing the sensitivity of P cell growth cones and neurites to 5-HT application. 2. As measured by intracellular recording at the P cell soma, synaptic release of 5-HT from R cell processes activated only the Cl(-)-dependent response in P cell neurites. Focal application of 5-HT from a micropipette depolarized uncontacted P cell growth cones and neurites. In contrast, processes from the same P cells that were contacted by R cells were rarely depolarized by 5-HT application unless the application pipette was moved along the neurites away from the sites of contact. 3. The channels underlying the depolarizing response to 5-HT were identified in patch clamp recordings from P cell growth cones. These cation channels showed rare, brief openings in the absence of 5-HT. Application of 5-HT in the bath (outside the patch pipette) increased channel activity in uncontacted P cell growth cones but not in growth cones of the same P cells contacted by R cells. 4. We conclude that the selection of transmitter responses during synapse formation was localized to discrete sites of contact between the synaptic partners.

Loss of extrasynaptic channel modulation by protein kinase C underlies the selection of serotonin responses in an identified leech neuron

Pressure-sensitive (P) neurons contacted by serotonergic Retzius (R) neurons of the leech in culture selectively reduce a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent cation response to serotonin and are innervated by the inhibitory, Cl(-)-dependent synapse seen in vivo. We have examined whether the reduction of extrasynaptic cation channel modulation is due to changes in sensitivity of the channels to second messenger. In inside-out membrane patches from single, uncontacted P cells in culture, cation channel activity was increased by rat brain PKC and cofactors. In contrast, the activity of cation channels in patches isolated from P cells paired with R cells was unaffected by PKC. These results demonstrate the loss of extrasynaptic channel modulation by PKC during synapse formation.

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

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.

Correlation of 125I-LSD autoradiographic labeling with serotonin voltage clamp responses in Aplysia neurons

Autoradiographic receptor binding studies using 125I-LSD (2-[125I]lysergic acid diethyamide) revealed intense labelling on the soma of a symmetrically located pair of cells in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. This binding was blocked by micromolar concentrations of serotonin and lower concentrations of the serotonergic antagonists, cyproheptadine and mianserin (Kadan and Hartig, 1988). Electrophysiological investigation of responses to serotonin of neurons in the left upper quadrant, where one of the labeled neurons is located, revealed a range of serotonin responses. Cells L3 and L6 have a K+ conductance increase in response to serotonin that is not blocked by cyproheptadine or mianserin. Cells L2 and L4 have a biphasic response to serotonin: a Na+ conductance increase, which can be blocked by cyproheptadine and mianserin, followed by a voltage dependent Ca2+ conductance which is blocked by Co2+ but not the serotonergic antagonists. Cell L1, and its symmetrical pair, R1, have in addition to the Na+ and Ca2+ responses observed in L2 and L4, a Cl- conductance increase blocked by LSD, cyproheptadine and mianserin. LSD had little effect on the other responses. We conclude that the symmetrically located cells L1 and R1 have a Cl- channel linked to a cyproheptadine- and mianserin-sensitive serotonin receptor that is selectively labelled by 125I-LSD. This receptor has many properties in common with the mammalian serotonin 1C receptor.

Serotonin is released from isolated leech ganglia by potassium-induced depolarization

1. The quantities of serotonin that are released from isolated leech ganglia in vitro were measured with the sensitive neurochemical techniques of HPLC-EC. 2. Segmental ganglia were exposed to elevated concentrations of potassium that depolarize leech serotonin-containing neurons by approximately 35 mV per decade. 3. Each segmental ganglion released on average 0.20 pmol of serotonin during 10 min of incubation in a solution containing 64 mM K+. 4. The rate of serotonin release increased nearly four-fold to 0.74 pmol/10 min when ganglia were incubated in 120 mM K+. 5. The rates of ganglionic serotonin release in 120 mM K+ were quantitatively similar in these three, experimentally important species of leeches: Hirudo medicinalis, Macrobdella decora and Haementeria ghilianii. 6. Ionic substitution experiments with the divalent cations Mg2+ and Co2+ indicated that the release of serotonin from leech ganglia is mediated by a Ca2+ dependent process. 7. The serotonin-uptake blockers, imipramine and chlorimipramine, did not increase the amount of serotonin released in elevated potassium. 8. Vitally staining the identified serotonin-containing neurons with Neutral Red dye did not reduce the quantity of serotonin that was released from the ganglia in elevated potassium. 9. This study demonstrates the capacity of leech ganglia to release the neurochemical serotonin, and the rates of transmitter release increase with the degree of depolarization of serotonin-containing neurons.

Differential distribution of serotoninergic inputs on the goldfish Mauthner cell

The morphology and distribution of the serotoninergic (5-HT) input to the Mauthner cell (M cell) of a teleost, Carassius auratus, were analyzed at the light microscopic level. Immunohistochemical methods revealed that 1) most fibers innervating the M cell originate from the ventral and lateroventral regions of the rhombencephalon; 2) two groups of fibers contribute to this innervation, thick ones (type I, 0.4-0.7 microns in diameter) with terminal endings and thin ones (type II, less than 0.2 microns) that issue numerous beaded varicosities 4-10 microns from the target cell and only occasional side endings contacting it; 3) the density of immunoreactive profiles is uneven over the whole cell and predominates on the ventral dendrite; and 4) the two sets of axons, although overlapping, do not have the same distribution. Specifically, both classes are present on the ventral dendrite, whereas type II fibers are the only ones observed on the soma, in the region of the initial segment of the axon, and in the vicinity of the lateral dendrite. Functionally identified inputs on the M cell also have a regionalized distribution, depending, for example, on whether they belong to excitatory or inhibitory networks. Thus we propose that 5-HT inputs have specific influences that are a function of their respective localization.

Autoradiographic localization and characterization of [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide binding to serotonin receptors in Aplysia

The sensitive serotonergic radioligand 2-[125I]lysergic acid diethylamide was used to study the distribution and pharmacological binding properties of serotonin receptors in Aplysia californica. The high specific activity of this radioligand allowed us to develop a methodology for the investigation of receptor binding properties and receptor distribution in a single ganglion. [125I]Lysergic acid diethylamide labels a population of high-affinity serotonergic sites (Kd = 0.41 nM) in Aplysia ganglia whose regional distribution matches that expected from previous electrophysiological and immunohistochemical studies. The properties of [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide binding sites in Aplysia are in general agreement with previous studies on [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide binding in this system but these sites differ from the serotonergic receptor subtypes described in the mammalian brain. Guanine nucleotides were shown to modulate agonist but not antagonist affinity for the [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide binding site in Aplysia, suggesting that this site is coupled to a G-protein. Images of serotonin receptor distribution in the Aplysia nervous system were obtained from autoradiograms of [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide binding. Serotonin receptors in ganglia tissue sections are located primarily within the neuropil. In addition, a subset of neuronal soma are specifically labeled by [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide. These studies indicate that [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide binds to sites in the Aplysia nervous system which display a regional distribution, pharmacological binding properties and evidence of coupling to a G-protein consistent with labeling of a subset of functional serotonin receptors. In addition, the techniques used in this investigation provide a general approach for rapidly characterizing the pharmacological properties and anatomical distribution of receptor binding sites in single invertebrate ganglia. Individual neurons containing these receptor subtypes can be identified by these methods and correlated with physiological responses in the same cell.

On the transmitter at the A-to-B cell in Aplysia californica

Cerebral A neurons make excitatory contact with cerebral B cells. While glutamate, histamine and serotonin all have excitatory receptors on B cells, the A-to-B cells synaptic potential was not found sensitive to curare, strychnine, antihistaminergic or antiserotoninergic drugs, nor did bath-perfused glutamate or serotonin cause desensitization of the synaptic response. We conclude that none of these candidates is the transmitter at this synapse.

Spectra of neurotransmitter receptors and ionic responses on cerebral A and B neurons in Aplysia californica

Receptors to putative transmitters on A and B cells of Aplysia californica were identified and characterized. Neurons within each cluster were similar in responses to transmitters, but the neurons in A and B clusters differed. Both exhibited receptors to acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, histamine and serotonin but not to octopamine or phenylethanolamine. Bi- or multiphasic responses to a single transmitter were common on both cell types. Inhibitory responses were more common on A than B cells where glutamate, histamine and serotonin were all excitatory. Each of these clusters appear homogeneous both in terms of presence of receptors and the ionic channels activated by the receptors.

Sensitivity of a peptide-activated neuron in Aplysia to serotonin and cyclic AMP-relevant agents

Serotonin depolarized Aplysia buccal motoneuron B16. The response could be obtained in high-magnesium/low-calcium medium, indicating a direct effect on B16 and supporting a putative monosynaptic input to B16 from the serotonergic metacerebral neurons. Similar depolarizing effects in high-magnesium/low-calcium medium were obtained in response to 8-bromo cyclic AMP, isobutylmethylxanthine, theophylline and forskolin. Tolbutamide, a putative inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, blocked or reversed responses of B16 to egg-laying hormone containing extracts and to serotonin. Serotonin and forskolin significantly increased the cyclic AMP content of buccal ganglia, whereas egg-laying hormone-containing extracts did not.

The possible modulation of the development of rat dorsal root ganglion cells by the presence of 5-HT-containing neurones of the brainstem in dissociated cell culture

Reliable methods for coculturing dissociated rat brainstem cells together with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells have been established. The cells were characterized using autoradiographic, morphological, immunocytochemical and electrophysiological techniques. Light-level microscopy showed the cocultures to be extensively invaded by serotonin (5-HT)-containing neuronal processes and intense clustering of 5-HT-containing varicosities to occur in the vicinity of large round phase-bright neurones thought to be DRGs. Rather extensive fine ramification of the neuronal processes throughout the culture dish were visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Intracellular recording showed the brainstem neurones to be spontaneously active, electrically excitable and sensitive to a variety of transmitter candidates including serotonin (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Several different responses to 5-HT have been observed. These include a depolarization accompanied by an increase in membrane resistance, a depolarization accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance and a hyperpolarization accompanied by an increase in membrane resistance. As established by others, DRG cells grown in isolation were always quiescent. The application of 5-HT produced no effect on membrane potential, resistance or excitability. In the brainstem-DRG cocultures 52% of DRG cells exhibited synaptic activity and occasional spontaneous spiking, both of which were abolished in the presence of tetrodotoxin or low-Ca2+/high-Mg2+ solution. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of synapses on the DRG cells. The spontaneously active DRG cells were also found to be sensitive to the application of 5-HT. Thus it appears that a source of 5-HT nerve terminals may regulate the development and pharmacological sensitivity of primary afferent neurones in culture.

5-hydroxytryptamine measurements in molluscan ganglia and neurons using a modified radioenzymatic assay

A radioenzymatic procedure for the determination of sub-picomole amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is described. It is a modification of the method originally described by Saavedra et al. (1973), in which 5-HT was measured as the radiolabelled product [3H]5-methoxy-N- acetyltryptamine , after incubation with [3H]S-adenosylmethionine, acetyl-CoA, and the enzymes hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.4) and N-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5). Ganglia from various gastropod molluscs (Aplysia californica, Tritonia diomedia , Lymnaea stagnalis, and Helisoma trivolvis ), as well as individual neuronal somata isolated from these ganglia, were assayed for 5-HT. Among the homologous giant cerebral cells in these animals, the 5-HT concentrations were similar. Statistical analysis of the 5-HT values in paired 5-HT-containing neurons demonstrated that the variability was considerably greater in samples obtained from different animals than in those obtained from the same animal. This suggests that experiments aimed at manipulating amine levels in individual neurons may benefit by using a paired-cell paradigm. The effects of incubating Aplysia ganglia with 5-HT or with the 5-HT precursors tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were studied. High concentrations of 5-HTP and 5-HT (100 microM) increased the levels of 5-HT in ganglia, but only incubation in high concentrations of 5-HTP resulted in an increase of 5-HT in the isolated somata of 5-HT-containing neurons C1 and P5.

Serotonin and Retzius cell depress the hyperpolarization following impulses of leech touch cell

Intracellular recordings from T mechanosensory cells of Hirudo medicinalis showed, as previously demonstrated, that repetitive firing is followed by a long-lasting hyperpolarization. Serotonin application at two concentrations (1 microM and 50 microM) depressed this hyperpolarization by up to 2/3; the effect was dose-dependent, long-lasting and reversible. Intracellular stimulation of giant serotonergic neurons (Retzius cells, Rz) mimicked serotonin perfusion: the effect was proportional to the number of spikes fired by Retzius cells. The combined use of intracellular iontophoretic injection of horseradish peroxidase and lucifer yellow indicated the possible sites of contact between Rz and T cells. The effect of serotonin, released by Rz cells, is discussed with respect to its possible physiological significance.

Immunocytochemical localization and direct assays of serotonin-containing neurons in Aplysia

Serotonin-containing neurons were localized in the central nervous system of Aplysia californica by the combination of an immunohistochemical procedure for wholemounts of Aplysia ganglia and, in parallel experiments, by the direct measurement of serotonin in individual neurons with a radioenzymatic assay. Paraformaldehyde fixed, desheathed ganglia were incubated in a commercially available antiserum against a conjugate of serotonin and bovine serum albumin. The bound antibody was visualized by an indirect antibody procedure using the horseradish peroxidase catalyzed reduction of the chromogen, diaminobenzidine, and a cobalt-nickel intensification procedure. The specificity of the immunoreaction for serotonin-containing cells was demonstrated by (1) the consistent staining of previously identified serotonin-containing neurons; (2) the absence of staining in identifiable neurons which do not contain measurable serotonin; and (3) the absence of staining in ganglia treated with antiserum which had been absorbed by serotonin and the serotonin conjugate. Previously unidentified serotonin-containing neurons were localized in the cerebral and pedal ganglia by the combination of immunocytochemistry and direct assay for serotonin. Immunoreactive fibers were found surrounding many neuronal somata. In addition, serotonin assays of known cholinergic neurons that were covered by immunoreactive fibers indicated that measurable amounts of serotonin were associated with such neurons, but the concentration of serotonin was an order of magnitude lower than in neurons known to stain with the anti-serotonin serum. These studies have localized more than a hundred neurons that appear to contain serotonin in concentrations (greater than 0.5 mM) in the Aplysia central nervous system. In addition, it appears that the long-held belief that the somata of invertebrate neurons are relatively free of impinging nerve fibers may no longer be tenable. The immunoreactive fibers surrounding many cell bodies may be the source of measurable serotonin associated with neurons known to utilize or to contain transmitter substances other than serotonin. Immunocytochemical techniques applied to wholemounts of molluscan preparations facilitate identification of stained neurons for parallel physiological and chemical experiments.

5-HT antagonists and blockade of neuronal (5-HT) receptors on ganglion cells

Potential changes in superior cervical ganglion cells evoked by 5-HT or the nicotinic agonist, dimethyl-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP), were recorded using the sucrose-gap method and a number of putative 5-HT antagonists tested for potency and selectivity. Selective blockade of 5-HT responses was produced by 5-HT itself and, in increasing order of potency, by cocaine, metoclopramide and quipazine. A non-selective blockade was observed with bufotenine and d-tubocurarine. Substances which had no effect on 5-HT responses included methysergide and other compounds related to LSD, cinanserin, cyproheptadine, phenylbiguanide and morphine. The results provide further information about the 5-HT receptor on sympathetic ganglion cells and support the view that this receptor is distinct from neuronal receptors in the myenteric plexus and on cholinergic nerve terminals.

Modulatory effect of serotonin on the acetylcholine sensitivity of identified neurons in the brain of Helix pomatia L

Excitatory effect of acetylcholine (ACh) was modified by serotonin (5-HT) on identified neurons of intact brain with partially preserved functional connections at Helix pomatia L. Depolarization caused by ACh on neuron LPa3 and on several spontaneously active cells of the visceral ganglion was enhanced by brief application of 5-HT to the soma of these neurons. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and theophylline caused similar effects to the serotonin changes in ACh sensitivity of these cells. ACh sensitivity of neurons RPa3 and RPa2 was reduced following application of 5-HT, GTP and theophylline. Similarly, the effect of 5-HT tactile stimulation of the heart caused decrease in ACh sensitivity of neuron RPa2.

The pharmacology of molluscan neurons

It is commonly accepted that the basic physiological properties of the neurons as well as the nature of transmitter substances have remained relatively unchanged through evolution, while brain size and neuron number have greatly increased. Among invertebrates the molluscs, due to the large size of their neurons and lesser complexity of the neural networks controlling specific behavior, have proved to be especially useful for studying elementary properties of single neurons, network organization as well as various forms of learning and memory. The study of putative neurotransmitters has indicated that molluscs use the same low molecular-weight substances and peptides or their metabolites and cyclic nucleotides as transmitters and second messengers as the other species of various phyla. At the same time the receptors of neurotransmitters were found to have certain characteristic properties in the molluscs. The large molluscan neurons have permitted the isolation of individual identifiable nerve cells, and the subsequent analysis of quantities of the transmitters and their metabolic enzymes. These studies have demonstrated that single neurons frequently can contain more than one putative neurotransmitter. It can be expected that this model will contribute to an understanding of the role of multiple transmitters within a single neuron assuring the plasticity of the nervous system. The cellular mechanisms of plasticity have been demonstrated first in molluscan nervous systems. It was proved in identified Aplysia neurons that the same transmitter (ACh) can be released from an interneuron onto two or more follower neurons and can excite one and inhibit another or evoke a biphasic response on a third type of cell. The biphasic response of the molluscan neurons to neurotransmitters was the first demonstration of the plastic synaptic changes. The discovery of individual neurons with their groups of follower cells acting as chemical units has provided an insight into the organization of various behavioral acts. Study of the gastropod molluscs has also shown that the giant serotonergic cells can act as peripheral modulator neurons, as well as interneurons, and in this way they can affect their target organs at more than one level. The molluscan studies have provided more information on transmitter receptors as it was shown that molluscan neurons have at least six different 5HT receptors, three Ach receptors which can be separated pharmacologically. This type of study has led to the discovery of numerous new antagonists and poisons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Vipoxin both activates and antagonizes three types of acetylcholine response in Aplysia neurons

The effects of vipoxin, a 13,000 Dalton protein component of Russell's viper venom on responses of voltage-clamped Aplysia neurons to acetylcholine (ACh) and monoamines has been studied. At low doses vipoxin reversibly antagonizes all 3 types of ionic response to ACh or carbachol, the order of susceptibility to blockade being Na+ greater than K+ greater than Cl-. High doses of vipoxin directly evoke the same ionic response on a given cell as that evoked by ACh. Responses to vipoxin are reversibly antagonized by cholinergic antagonists (e.g. hexamethonium, tetraethylammonium), but not by monoamine antagonists (e.g. bufotenine, ergometrine, cimetidine). In addition to activation of cholinergic responses, high doses of vipoxin also produce a reversible potentiation of responses to dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine on some cells. In contrast to its effects on Aplysia neurons, vipoxin has neither agonist nor antagonist actions at the frog neuromuscular junction. These results suggest that this venom protein acts as a partial agonist at molluscan ACh receptors and provides evidence for some phylogenetic difference between molluscan and vertebrate ACh receptors.

Serotonin-elicited amplification of adenylate cyclase activity in hippocampal membranes from adult rat

The activity of the adenylate cyclase located in membranes prepared from hippocampus of adult rat can be stimulated by serotonin (5-HT) (Ka = 4 X 10(-7) M). The maximal effect is obtained with 10 microM 5-HT. Freezing of the tissue decreases the 5-HT stimulation; this stimulation is optimal in the presence of 82.5 mM Tris-maleate buffer (pH 7.4) and 50 microM GTP. The adenylate cyclase activity of membranes prepared from cortex, hypothalamus, and colliculi of adult rats is not significantly stimulated by 5-HT. Dopamine (DA) also stimulates adenylate cyclase located in hippocampal membranes; its effect can be blocked by haloperidol (10(-6) M), which fails to inhibit 5-HT stimulation. Moreover, p-chlorophenylalanine treatment for 2 weeks or selective lesion of 5-HT axons afferent to the hippocampus increases the Vmax of 5-HT stimulation, but fails to change that of DA stimulation. The 5-HT stimulation can be inhibited by metergoline, spiroperidol, and pizotyline (10(-6) M), but not by the same concentrations of mianserin, ketanserine, alprenolol, phenoxybenzamine, and mepyramine. The 5-HT stimulation of adenylate cyclase of hippocampal membranes can be mimicked by tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptamine, bufotenine, and to a lesser extent by LSD; N-methyltryptamine, N-methyltryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan are inactive. Studies with kainic acid suggest that the 5-HT recognition site (5-HT1) linked to adenylate cyclase is located on the membrane of intrinsic hippocampal neurons.

Side effects of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase reactivators on neuronal membrane and synaptic transmission

The side effects of four phosphorylated cholinesterase reactivators (oximes): contrathion, TMB4, toxogonine and 1574 SEBC on membrane properties and synaptic transmission of Aplysia central neurons were investigated. Applied in the bath at 10(-3) mol X 1(-1) to 10(-2) mol X 1(-1) concentrations, all these oximes had a depressive action on cholinergic transmission exerting a curare-like effect on the postsynaptic receptors. In addition, Toxogonin and TMB4 affected the presynaptic voltage dependent sodium conductance. None of these oximes interfered with the voltage dependent potassium or calcium conductances. The oximes had a transient facilitatory action on amplitude of the response to ionophoretically applied acetylcholine (ACh) on H-type ACh receptors, but not on cells with D-type ACh receptors. The K+ dependent response to ACh injection on pleural ganglion cells was selectively blocked by 5 X 10(-6) mol X 1(-1) contrathion. All oximes at 10(-2) mol X 1(-1) to 10(-3) mol X 1(-1) similarly depressed serotonin receptors in buccal ganglion cells. All the effects of oximes were reversible by washing. It was concluded that oximes can act as 1) inhibitors of Na+ conductance, 2) antagonists for various synaptic receptors, 3) reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase.

Central serotonergic receptors: evidence for heterogeneity and characterization by ligand-binding

Evidence has accumulated which suggests that receptors for serotonin exist in multiple forms both in the central nervous system and the periphery. This has come from the use of a variety of techniques and a number of different tissues. In the central nervous system the ligand-binding technique has proven particularly useful for characterizing different types of serotonin receptors, and two major classes of central serotonin receptors have been proposed on the basis of studies using this procedure. The first group (5-HT1 receptors) is defined by the high-affinity binding of 3H-serotonin in the brain, and the second (5-HT2 receptors) is defined by the high-affinity binding of 3H-spiperone in the frontal cortex. The 5-HT1 sites have themselves been shown to be a heterogeneous group, and recent studies suggest that it is possible to synthesize tryptamine analogues which can discriminate between the different types of 5-HT1 receptors. Such studies suggest the possibility of designing new selective serotonin agonists and antagonists for the study of the effects of specific receptor subtypes on behavioral and physiological activities.

Activity of an identified serotonergic neuron in free moving Aplysia correlates with behavioral arousal

Extracellular recordings of the metacerebral cell (MCC), a serotonergic neuron in Aplysia, were obtained in free moving, undrugged animals. MCC activity was evoked by exposure to food. Arousal level was manipulated by satiating the animals or exposing them to a noxious stimulus. We found that the amount of evoked MCC activity correlated with the level of arousal of the animal.

Characterization of the synaptic actions of an interneuron in the central nervous system of Tritonia

The motor program that drives the swimming behavior of the marine mollusk Tritonia diomedea is generated by three interneuronal populations in the cerebral ganglia. One of these populations, the pair of C2 neurons, is shown to also exert powerful synaptic actions upon most cells in the contralateral pedal ganglion. Intracellular staining with Co2+ showed that the C2 neurons projected to the contralateral pedal ganglion as a single unbranched axon, and nearly all contralateral pedal neurons received monosynaptic input from C2. Orthodromic stimulation of most peripheral nerves caused monosynaptic excitation of C2 by afferent sensory cells and, in some cases, monosynaptic inhibition from an unidentified source. C2 neurons produced four types of postsynaptic potential (PSP) on pedal neurons: (1) a fast, Cl- -mediated inhibition (FIPSP); (2) a fast, Na+ -mediated excitation (FEPSP); (3) a slow, K+ -mediated inhibition (SIPSP); and (4) a slow, conductance-decrease excitation (SEPSP). All four could be recorded simultaneously in some pedal neurons. The C2 neurons appear to be high-order, multiaction neurons involved in both the generation of a complex motor program and the coordination of ancillary neuronal activity.

Various transmitters as filters in transferring information in an identified neural network of gastropods

1. The motor and interneurones in the identified neural network regulating the cardio-renal system of Helix pomatia L. produced differing effects with ACh, 5HT, DA and OP. They were less sensitive to glutamate. 2. On the double action interneuron the sensitivity to the neurotransmitters was modified by the source of input and the sequence of their application. 3. The interneuron V21 uses ACh and 5HT as neurotransmitters. Seven afferent excitatory pathways terminate on interneuron V21. 4. The efferent pathways of interneuron V21 can be selectively blocked by haloperidol and ergotamine. 5. The peptide-like factor released spontaneously following haloperidol and ergotamine treatment block the cholinergic and aminergic pathways onto interneuron V21, while the amino acid mechanism remains unaltered.

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors of visceral primary afferent neurones on rabbit nodose ganglia

1. The electrophysiological characteristics of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors distributed on visceral primary afferent neurones (the nodose ganglion cells of the vagus) in rabbits were investigated with intracellular recording and voltage-clamp techniques.2. In response to 5-HT applied by superfusion (>/= 10 mum) or by ionophoresis (>/= 5 nA, 50 msec), the majority of type C neurones (mean axonal conduction velocity: 0.83+/-0.25 m/sec) showed a rapid depolarization of 20-30 mV in amplitude which was followed by a hyperpolarization of a few millivolts. Both the initial depolarization and afterhyperpolarization were associated with a reduction in membrane resistance.3. Type A neurones (mean axonal conduction velocity: 7.7+/-0.4 m/sec) did not show any significant alterations in membrane potential and resistance during or after application of 5-HT.4. The initial depolarization induced by 5-HT was abolished by Na(+)-free Krebs solution and showed a reduction of a few millivolts in K(+)-free or Ca(2+)-free Krebs solution. The response in normal Krebs solution was reversed at a membrane potential level of +7.3+/-1.1 mV.5. The afterhyperpolarization disappeared in Na(+)-free or Ca(2+)-free Krebs solution, while it was markedly enhanced in K(+)-free Krebs solution. The response in normal Krebs solution reversed at a membrane potential of -88.7+/-0.8 mV, and was abolished at membrane potentials more positive than -20 mV.6. Unlike 5-HT voltage responses, which were biphasic in the majority of neurones examined, 5-HT induced currents were usually monophasic when recorded at holding membrane levels ranging from -80 to +50 mV. The reversal potential of the inward current was +7.5+/-0.8 mV which was in good agreement with the reversal level for 5-HT-induced depolarizations. The reversal potentials for inward currents which were obtained at various concentrations of Na(+) or K(+) corresponded to the theoretical values calculated by the equivalent circuit equation.7. These results suggest that the initial depolarization induced by 5-HT is due mainly to simultaneous increases in Na(+) and K(+) conductances, while the afterhyperpolarization is brought about by an increase of K(+) conductance which is triggered by a voltage-dependent influx of Na(+) and Ca(2+).8. The mean value for the ;limiting slope' of conductance change vs. 5-HT concentration and the slope of 5-HT current vs. 5-HT concentration obtained by superfusion of 5-HT, were in good agreement, 1.84+/-0.26 and 1.88+/-0.31, respectively. On the other hand, the mean Hill coefficient obtained from the dose-response curves for the inward current induced by ionophoresis was 2.51+/-0.14.9. Tetrodotoxin (0.2 mum) blocked the soma action potential completely, but did not show any effect on 5-HT-induced responses.10. (+)-Lysergic acid diethylamide and methysergide (1-100 mum) had no depressant effect on the 5-HT-induced depolarization.11. (+)-Tubocurarine at low concentrations (1-5 mum) inhibited the 5-HT induced inward current competitively. The mode of its inhibitory action became noncompetitive at higher concentrations (10-20 mum).