Serotonin modulates a depression-like state in Drosophila responsive to lithium treatment

Ariane-Saskia Ries, Tim Hermanns, Burkhard Poeck and Roland Strauss ()
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Ariane-Saskia Ries: Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie und Neurobiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Tim Hermanns: Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie und Neurobiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Burkhard Poeck: Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie und Neurobiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Roland Strauss: Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie und Neurobiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of patients; however, the pathophysiology is poorly understood. Rodent models have been developed using chronic mild stress or unavoidable punishment (learned helplessness) to induce features of depression, like general inactivity and anhedonia. Here we report a three-day vibration-stress protocol for Drosophila that reduces voluntary behavioural activity. As in many MDD patients, lithium-chloride treatment can suppress this depression-like state in flies. The behavioural changes correlate with reduced serotonin (5-HT) release at the mushroom body (MB) and can be relieved by feeding the antidepressant 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan or sucrose, which results in elevated 5-HT levels in the brain. This relief is mediated by 5-HT-1A receptors in the α-/β-lobes of the MB, whereas 5-HT-1B receptors in the γ-lobes control behavioural inactivity. The central role of serotonin in modulating stress responses in flies and mammals indicates evolutionary conserved pathways that can provide targets for treatment and strategies to induce resilience.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15738

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