ISSN:
1573-9686
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract The role of serotonin and of the area postrema in synchronization of the neocortical electroencephalogram (EEG) was investigated in the present studies by observing the effects of different drugs (serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and Xylocaine) applied topically at the site of the area postrema in cats. Using Fast Fourier Spectral analysis and power density spectra techniques it was found that serotonin increased the low frequency components and decreased the high frequency components in the cortical EEG. Application of serotonin to the floor of the fourth ventrical 6 mm rostral to the area postrema never produced EEG synchronizing effects. Xylocaine applied directly to the area postrema, as well as lesions of this region, decreased the low frequency components of the EEG while norepinephrine and acetylcholine produced variable effects. These results indicate that a serotonergic-sensitive mechanism, which induces EEG synchronization, exists in the region of the area postrema.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00000009
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