Light-activated serotonin for exploring its action in biological systems

Chem Biol. 2013 Dec 19;20(12):1536-46. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.11.005. Epub 2013 Dec 12.

Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neuromodulator involved in regulating mood, appetite, memory, learning, pain, and establishment of left-right (LR) asymmetry in embryonic development. To explore the role of 5-HT in physiology, we have created two forms of "caged" 5-HT, BHQ-O-5HT and BHQ-N-5HT. When exposed to 365 or 740 nm light, BHQ-O-5HT releases 5-HT through one- or two-photon excitation, respectively. BHQ-O-5HT mediated changes in neural activity in cultured mouse primary sensory neurons and the trigeminal ganglion and optic tectum of intact zebrafish larvae in the form of high-amplitude spiking in response to light. In Xenopus laevis embryos, light-activated 5-HT increased the occurrence of LR patterning defects. Maximal rates of LR defects were observed when 5-HT was released at stage 5 compared with stage 8. These experiments show the potential for BHQ-caged serotonins in studying 5-HT-regulated physiological processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / abnormalities
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / radiation effects
  • Light*
  • Mice
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / radiation effects
  • Serotonin / chemistry
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Superior Colliculi / physiology
  • Superior Colliculi / radiation effects
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / physiology
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / radiation effects
  • Xenopus laevis / embryology
  • Zebrafish / physiology

Substances

  • Serotonin