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Title: Effects of electrical stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus on local cerebral blood flow in the rat

Journal Article · · Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism; (USA)

We have studied the effects of electrical stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus on local cerebral blood flow (LCBF), as assessed by the quantitative ({sup 14}C)-iodoantipyrine autoradiographic technique. Stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus in the alpha-chloralose anesthetized rat caused a significant decrease in LCBF, ranging from -13 to -26% in 24 brain structures out of 33 investigated. The most pronounced decreases (-23 to -26%) were observed in the accumbens, amygdaloid, interpeduncular nuclei and in the median raphe nucleus, limbic system relays. The decreases also concerned cortical regions and the extrapyramidal system. These results indicate that activation of ascending serotonergic system produces a vasoconstriction and that the dorsal raphe nucleus has a widespread modulatory influence on the cerebral circulation.

OSTI ID:
5564667
Journal Information:
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism; (USA), Vol. 9:3; ISSN 0271-678X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English