Effect of Corticosterone on the Serotonin Receptor Binding Properties in Rat Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

A possible role of brain serotonin in the regulation of HPA axis activity including feed-back sensitivity has been studied by many investigators. The present study was undertaken to check the serotonin binding to rat cerebral cortex membrane before and after corticosterone replacement in adrenalectomized rats. Both the affinity and the number of serotonin binding sites were significantly increased following corticosterone replacement, compared to those of adrenalectomized control. In conclusion, the present study strongly suggests that cerebral cortical serotonin receptor sensitivity might be changed by repeated treatment with corticosterone and may support the assumption of serotoninergic regulation in feed-back activity of HPA axis.