5HT_1A- and 5HT_2A-receptors during social isolation in mice

Social isolation is an animal model for analysing behavioural and neurobiological processes caused by impairment of organism
environment relationships. In previous studies we found time dependent changes in behaviour and central transmitter metabolism
especially in the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems (Rilke et al. 1998a, Rilke et al. 1998b).
The aim of the study was to find out time-dependent effects of social isolation after 4 and 12 weeks at serotonin receptor 5HT_1A- and
5HT_2A-subtypes. Autoradiographic studies in distinct brain regions were carried out and the B_max-values were determined.
After 4 weeks B_max-values for both subtypes were diminished in all analysed brain regions. After 12 weeks of isolation weaker alterations were found. Only the B_max-values for the 5HT_1A-receptor in the hippocampus were significantly decreased. Furthermore up-regulations for both receptors were found in some regions.
The results we-re discussed in relation to biochemical and behavioural changes.