Open AccessSerotonin 5‐HT 2C receptors regulate anxiety‐like behavior
Author(s) -
Heisler L. K.,
Zhou L.,
Bajwa P.,
Hsu J.,
Tecott L. H.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
genes, brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1601-183X
pISSN - 1601-1848
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2007.00316.x
Subject(s) - 5 ht receptor , serotonin , receptor , anxiety , psychology , neuroscience , medicine , psychiatry
Central serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) systems have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders, which are among the world’s most prevalent psychiatric conditions. Here, we report that the 5‐HT 2C receptor (5‐HT 2C R) subtype is critically involved in regulating behaviors characteristic of anxiety using male 5‐HT 2C R knockout (KO) mice. Specific neural substrates underlying the 5‐HT 2C R KO anxiolytic phenotype were investigated, and we report that 5‐HT 2C R KO mice display a selective blunting of extended amygdala corticotropin‐releasing hormone neuronal activation in response to anxiety stimuli. These findings illustrate a mechanism through which 5‐HT 2C Rs affect anxiety‐related behavior and provide insight into the neural circuitry mediating the complex psychological process of anxiety.