The neuromodulator serotonin is found throughout the auditory system from the cochlea to the cortex. Although effects of serotonin have been reported at the level of single neurons in many brainstem nuclei, how these effects correspond to more integrated measures of auditory processing has not been well-explored. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the effects of serotonin on far-fie...

Prenatal cocaine (PC) exposure negatively impacts the developing nervous system, including numerous changes in serotonergic signaling. Cocaine, a competitive antagonist of the serotonin transporter, similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, leaving the direct mechanism through which cocaine disrupts the developing serotonin...

L-DOPA remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, long-term administration of L-DOPA is compromised by complications, particularly dyskinesia. Serotonergic type 1A (5-HT(1A)) receptor agonists and serotonergic type 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor antagonists were, until recently, considered to be promising therapies against dyskinesia. However, there have been some recen...

In the cat, stimulation of group II afferents from hindlimb muscles evokes different crossed reflex actions depending on the integrity of the spinal cord: with the cord intact, extensor motoneurons are inhibited by activation of contralateral group II afferents; after spinal transection, the same stimuli excite these neurons (crossed extension reflex). We have investigated the mechanisms underl...

Milk is one of the most beneficial aliments and is highly recommended in normal conditions; however, in certain disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome, cow milk and dairy products worsen the gastric symptoms and their use is not recommended. Among the most recognized milk-induced gatrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, which are processes controlled by cholinergic an...

L-DOPA remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, long-term administration of L-DOPA is compromised by complications, particularly dyskinesia. Serotonergic type 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonists and serotonergic type 2A (5-HT2A) receptor antagonists were, until recently, considered to be promising therapies against dyskinesia. However, there have been some recent hi...

Fetal glucocorticoid exposure is a key mechanism proposed to underlie prenatal 'programming' of adult affective behaviours such as depression and anxiety. Indeed, the glucocorticoid metabolising enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which is highly expressed in the placenta and the developing fetus, acts as a protective barrier from the high maternal glucocorticoids which m...

The serotonergic system is known to modulate and mediate many of the central nervous system effects of stress. Here we investigated the ability of serotonergic agents to reverse the inhibition of the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by prior exposure to inescapable stress. Elevated platform stress prevented the induction of LTP in the CA1 area of anaesthetized rats. ...