Unbound MEDLINE

Synapse specific changes in serotonin signalling contribute to age-related changes in the feeding behaviour of the pond snail, Lymnaea. Journal of neurochemistry [J Neurochem] Journal article

 
TitleSynapse specific changes in serotonin signalling contribute to age-related changes in the feeding behaviour of the pond snail, Lymnaea.
Author(s)Yeoman M, Patel B, Arundell M, Parker K, O'Hare D 
InstitutionSchool of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Cockcroft Building, University of Brighton, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, East Sussex, U.K.
SourceJ Neurochem 2008 Jun 19.
AbstractThis study utilised the pond snail, Lymnaea to examine the contribution that alterations in serotonergic signalling make to age-related changes in feeding. Age-related decreases in 5-HIAA levels in feeding ganglia were positively correlated with a decrease in the number of sucrose-evoked bites and negatively correlated with an increase in inter-bite interval, implicating alterations in serotonergic signalling in the aged phenotype. Analysis of the serotonergic cerebral giant cell (CGC) input to the protraction motor neurone (B1) demonstrated that fluoxetine (10-100 nM) increased the amplitude/duration of the evoked EPSP in both young and middle aged but not in old neurones, suggesting an age-related attenuation of the serotonin transporter. 5-HT evoked a concentration-dependent increase in the amplitude/duration of B1 EPSP, which was greater in old neurones compared to both young and middle aged. Conversely, the 5-HT-evoked depolarisation and conditional bursting of the swallow motor neurone (B4) were attenuated in old neurones, functions critical for a full feeding rhythm. The CGCs' ability to excite B1 was blocked by cinanserin but not by methysergide. Conversely, the CGC to B4 connection was completely blocked by methysergide and only partially by cinanserin suggesting that age-related changes may be receptor specific. In summary, synapse-specific attenuation of the CGC-B4 connection and enhancement of the CGC-B1 connection would slow the swallow phase and maintain protraction, consistent with behavioural observations.
LanguageENG
Pub Type(s)JOURNAL ARTICLE
PubMed ID18565208
  
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