ISSN:
1435-1463
Keywords:
Sex differences
;
brain serotonin
;
pargyline
;
8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin
;
body temperature
;
5-HT behavioural syndrome
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Male and female rats were compared with respect to brain serotonin (5-HT) levels, synthetic capacity, receptor sensitivity, and CNS functions. Levels of whole brain 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were higher in females. The accumulation of 5-HT after treatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline alone and in combination with the 5-HT precursor L-tryptophan was greater in females than in males. 5-HT increased and 5-HIAA decreased to the same extent in both sexes after administration of the 5-HT agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The temperature fall after all drug treatments was greater in females, but the “5-HT behavioural syndrome” was more pronounced in females merely after pargyline plus tryptophan; the behavioural response after 8-OH-DPAT did not differ between the sexes. These results are indicative of sex differences in the brain 5-HT neuronal systems. They are discussed in relation to differences between males and females in sexual behaviour, aggression and affective disorders.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01252033
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