Abstract
The effects of buspirone (0.5 mg/kg) on the neuroendocrine and serotonergic responses to stress were monitored in rats. Exposure to 2-h of restraint stress increased circulating levels of corticosterone, noradrenaline and glucose. The metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) increased in the brain. Prior administration of buspirone did not alter levels of corticosterone, noradrenaline and glucose in unrestrained rats, but inhibited stress-induced increase in the activity Of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and circulating levels of glucose. Restraint-induced rise in brain 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) was also attenuated by buspirone. Unrestrained animals injected with buspirone also exhibited a decrease in brain 5-HIAA concentration. The findings are discussed in the context of the role of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors in responses to stress.