5-HT(1B) receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition of retinal input to the suprachiasmatic nucleus

Gary E. Pickard, Bret N. Smith, Michael Belenky, Michael A. Rea, F. Edward Dudek, Patricia J. Sollars

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

139 Scopus citations

Abstract

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) receives glutamatergic afferents from the retina and serotonergic afferents from the midbrain, and serotonin (5- HT) can modify the response of the SCN circadian oscillator to light. 5- HT(1B) receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition has been proposed as one mechanism by which 5-HT modifies retinal input to the SCN (Pickard et al., 1996). This hypothesis was tested by examining the subcellular localization of 5-HT(1B) receptors in the mouse SCN using electron microscopic immunocytochemical analysis with 5-HT(1B) receptor antibodies and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from SCN neurons in hamster hypothalamic slices. 5- HT(1B) receptor immunostaining was observed associated with the plasma membrane of retinal terminals in the SCN. 1-[3(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]- piperazine HCl (TFMPP), a 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, reduced in a dose- related manner the amplitude of glutamatergic EPSCs evoked by stimulating selectively the optic nerve. Selective 5-HT(1A) or 5-HT7 receptor antagonists did not block this effect. Moreover, in cells demonstrating an evoked EPSC in response to optic nerve stimulation, TFMPP had no effect on the amplitude of inward currents generated by local application of glutamate. The effect of TFMPP on light-induced phase shifts was also examined using 5- HT(1B) receptor knock-out mice. TFMPP inhibited behavioral responses to light in wild-type mice but was ineffective in inhibiting light-induced phase shifts in 5-HT(1B) receptor knock-out mice. The results indicate that 5-HT can reduce retinal input to the circadian system by acting at presynaptic 5- HT(1B) receptors located on retinal axons in the SCN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4034-4045
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume19
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 1999

Keywords

  • 5-HT(1b) receptor knock-out mice
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Hypothalamic slice
  • Presynaptic
  • Retinal ganglion cells
  • Serotonin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '5-HT(1B) receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition of retinal input to the suprachiasmatic nucleus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this