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Physiologically Identified 5-HT2-like Receptors at the Crayfish Neuromuscular Junction
Brain Research (2002)
  • Jami N. Tabor, University of Kentucky
  • Robin L Cooper, University of Kentucky
Abstract
The model synaptic preparation of the crayfish opener neuromuscular junction is known to be responsive to exogenous application of 5-HT. The primary effect of 5-HT is an enhancement of vesicular release from the presynaptic motor nerve terminal. 5-HT is known to act through an IP3 cascade which suggests the presence of a 5-HT2 receptor subtype; however, this is based on vertebrate 5-HT receptor classification. We examined this possibility by using a selective agonist and two antagonists of the vertebrate 5-HT2 receptor subtypes. The antagonist ketanserin and spiperone reduce the responsiveness of 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner. The broad 5-HT2 receptor agonist, α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (α-Me-5-HT) enhances synaptic transmission, in a concentration-dependent manner, but it is not as potent as 5-HT. These results support the notion that a 5-HT2 receptor subtype is present presynaptically on the crayfish motor nerve terminals. By knowing the types of 5-HT receptors present on the presynaptic motor nerve terminals in this model synaptic preparation, a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of 5-HT on vesicular release will be forthcoming.
Keywords
  • Neurotransmitters,
  • modulators,
  • transporters and receptors,
  • Serotonin receptors
Disciplines
Publication Date
April 5, 2002
Citation Information
Jami N. Tabor and Robin L Cooper. "Physiologically Identified 5-HT2-like Receptors at the Crayfish Neuromuscular Junction" Brain Research Vol. 932 Iss. 1-2 (2002)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robin_cooper/26/