The influence of electrical stimulation of the raphe magnus on rat behaviours

• Autorzy: Ptaszek K. , Plucinska K. , Polasik P. , Jurkowlaniec E.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The activity of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain is strictly connected with the raphe nuclei. They are connected mainly with and influence the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures. Clinical studies indicate that 30% of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have elevated platelet 5-HT level. The aim of the study was to investigate whether chronic (16-days) electrical stimulation of the raphe magnus (RMg) in rats can evoke behaviours comparable with the behaviours present in people with ASD. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were implanted with electrodes into the RMg under isoflurane anaesthesia. After 10-days convalescence chronic electrical stimulation began. Rats were divided into stimulated (n=6) and non-stimulated (sham/n=7) groups. Every day 25 stimulation trials were carried out, consisting of 30 s stimulation followed by 20 s interval. In sham group no current was passed through the electrode. During stimulations the locomotor activity was measured. Furthermore, the rats’ anxiety level and social responses were analyzed respectively on the 3rd and 8th day after the first stimulation. RESULTS: Locomotor activity was significantly higher in the experimental groups. At the intensity of 60–90 μA we observed rapid breathing, sniffing, and cage exploration, and at 110–140 μA – cage exploration and circular body movements. The anxiety level, analyzed as the time spent in closed arms in the elevated plus maze test, was comparable; nevertheless, social activity, measured in the three chamber test as a preference to a social stimulus, was reduced in the stimulated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical stimulation of the RMg induced hyperlocomotor and reduced social behaviours, which are the symptoms often present in the course of ASD. The obtained results suggest that hyperactivity of the serotonergic system may play a role in the development of ASD. The research was funded by Young Researcher grant, 538-L124- B598-14

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
• Rocznik: 2015
• Tom: 75
• Numer: Supl.
• Opis fizyczny: p.S88-S89

Twórcy

autor

Ptaszek K.

• Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

autor

Plucinska K.

• Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

autor

Polasik P.

• Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

autor

Jurkowlaniec E.

• Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland