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Effects of Serotonin-Related Gene Deletion on Measures of Anxiety, Depression, and Neurotransmission

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The Serotonin Receptors

Part of the book series: The Receptors ((REC))

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular technology have made possible the generation of mice lacking specific serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors or regulatory targets governing 5-HT neurotransmission. The goal of this review is to summarize the effects of deleting serotonin-related genes on certain behavioral and neurochemical outcomes in mice. The influence of various mutations of 5-HT receptors and the 5-HT transporter on behaviors related to anxiety and depression is reviewed. In addition, changes in transmission of 5-HT and other neuro-transmitters, measured principally by in vivo microdialysis, produced by genetic mutations of 5-HT targets is summarized. Most of the literature refers to mutations of genes for the 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT1B receptor, and the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) and comprise the largest part of this review. However, data regarding other murine knockouts were included where available. Although some phenotypes might be expressed as a result of developmental compensation, comparison with pharmacological antagonists has been helpful in distinguishing a functional role for the absence of the targeted receptor. Advanced techniques, involving evaluation of the effects of inducible gene deletion, gene rescue, or selective topographical expression of receptors in the contribution of 5-HT receptors to mood disorders, are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Anita J. Bechtholt & Irwin Lucki

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  1. Anita J. Bechtholt
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  2. Irwin Lucki
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  1. Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University-School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH

    Bryan L. Roth MD, PhD

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Bechtholt, A.J., Lucki, I. (2006). Effects of Serotonin-Related Gene Deletion on Measures of Anxiety, Depression, and Neurotransmission. In: Roth, B.L. (eds) The Serotonin Receptors. The Receptors. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-080-5_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-080-5_20

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-568-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-080-5

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