Brain Serotonin-2C Receptor Regulation in Schizophrenia Rat Model

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder which affects about 1% of the entire population. Hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia are characterized as the positive symptoms of the disorder whereas social withdrawal, lack of motivation and poverty of speech are classified as negative symptoms. The over activity of mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission is involved in schizophrenia. Serotonin acting via 5HT_2C receptors inhibits dopamine neurotransmission. The objective of the present study was to investigate the 5-HT_2C receptor responsiveness in apomorphine induced-behavioral schizophrenic like symptoms. Materials and Methods: The animals treated with apomorphine (a dopamine D1 & D2 receptor agonist) for two weeks were given challenge doses of mCPP (5-HT_2C agonist). Results: Behavioral effects of mCPP showed that it attenuate apomorphine-induced sensitization as 5-HT_2C receptors have inhibitory control over dopamine neurons. Conclusion: It is concluded that both the doses of mCPP (0.25mg/kg & 0.5mg/kg) significantly reduced motor activity in apomorphine induced hyperactive rats.