Enhanced dendritic morphogenesis of adult hippocampal newborn neurons in central 5-HT-deficient mice

Stem Cell Res. 2017 Mar:19:6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.12.018. Epub 2016 Dec 15.

Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Chronic administration of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which up-regulates extracellular 5-HT concentration, accelerates the maturation of adult-born hippocampal neurons. It is unknown, however, about effects of central 5-HT-deficiency on the dendritic morphogenesis of these newborn neurons. Here, we address this question using two central 5-HT-deficient mouse models, Tph2 conditional knockout mice (CKO) losing central 5-HT from embryonic stage, and Pet1-Cre;Rosa26-DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) mice lacking central 5-HT neurons exclusively in adulthood. The dendritic length of hippocampal newborn neurons is dramatically increased in these mice. Our findings indicate that reducing central 5-HT can accelerate the dendritic maturation of adult-born neurons, thus revealing a new role of central 5-HT in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Keywords: Adult neurogenesis; Dendrite; Dentate gyrus; Hippocampus; Serotonin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Serotonin / deficiency
  • Serotonin / genetics*

Substances

  • Serotonin