The serotonin transporter and 5HT2A receptor in rat brain after localized lesions.

Objectives: Post-stroke depression and depression after traumatic brain lesion are most often seen when the lesion includes frontal areas. The development of depression may include the serotonergic system because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat the depression. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether serotonin transporter density or 5HT2A serotonin receptor density is changed in specific brain areas following anterior or posterior lesions in the two hemispheres. Methods: Localized heat-induced brain lesions were induced in rats, and the densities of the serotonin transporter and 5HT2A receptor were measured by quantitative autoradiography in eight and 15 different brain areas, respectively. Results: A decrease in serotonin transporter density was detected in some frontal rat brain areas, and an increase in serotonin transporter density was detected in the right median raphe nucleus. No change was detected for 5HT2A receptor density.