Cortical 5-HT <sub>2A</sub> Receptor Signaling Modulates Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice

2006417 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Noelia Weisstaub · New York State Psychiatric Institute

Ming‐Ming Zhou · Columbia University

Alena Lira · New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute

Evelyn K. Lambe · New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute

Javier González‐Maeso · New York State Psychiatric Institute

Jean‐Pierre Hornung · New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute

Etienne Sibille

Abstract

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] neurotransmission in the central nervous system modulates depression and anxiety-related behaviors in humans and rodents, but the responsible downstream receptors remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that global disruption of 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) signaling in mice reduces inhibition in conflict anxiety paradigms without affecting fear-conditioned and depression-related behaviors. Selective restoration of 5HT2AR signaling to the cortex normalized conflict anxiety behaviors. These findings indicate a specific role for cortical 5HT2AR function in the modulation of conflict anxiety, consistent with models of cortical, "top-down" influences on risk assessment.

Topics & Keywords

Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: Science

Volume 313, Issue 5786, pp. 536-540

DOI: 10.1126/science.1123432

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 10.34