Role of Serotonergic Alterations during embriogenesis in the development of problematic behavior

PAUTASSI R.M.; FABIO M.C.

Carlos Paz

Congreso; XXXIV Annual Meeting of the Argentine Society for Neuroscience; 2019

Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencias

Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neuromodulator that is involved in the regulation of numerous physiological and behavioral functions including mood and anxiety related behaviors. 5-HT is also involved in refining the formation of brain circuits during sensitive developmental periods. It is not surprising, though, that 5-HT plays an important role in the development of psyquiatric disorders such as social deficits, anxiety, depression and addiction problems. It is known that anxiety disorders have developmental origins and that 5-HT is implicated in these processes. Disruption in 5-HT system during sensitive periods of development results in long term consequences. Anxiety disorders are also comorbid with another disorders, such as alcohol abuse and dependence. Therefore, alterations in 5-HT system may be also related with problematic use of alcohol. In order to analyze the effects of 5-HT alterations during embryogenesis, we treated c57 mice with a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor (PCPA; 4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride) during E14-17 and conducted a behavioral screening for anxiety, social preference and alcohol-induced anxiolysis. We found that animals that were depleted of 5-HT during embryogenesis showed social anxiety behaviors and are more sensitive to the anxiolytic effect of alcohol.