5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND PLASTICTY IN RODENTS.

The attributes that characterize a molecule as neurotransmitter at CNS are: i. neuronal synthesis, ii. being present at presynapsis, iii. Ca2+-dependent release, iv. postsynaptic actions mediated by receptors, v. an elimination mechanism at synapse. Since 1964, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was included as a neurotransmitter anti is part of a set of neurotransmitters named biogenic amines. In rodents, the 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system is constituted by nine nuclei at brainstem, and divided in two groups, rostral and caudal by thor localization. The rostral group projects mainly to the telencephalon and diencephalon, while the caudal group docs it to the spinal cord. 5-HT innervation to brainstem and cerebellar nuclei have been also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]