Long latency event-related potentials in rats: Effects of dopaminergic and serotonergic depletions

Abstract

The effects of serotonergic and dopaminergic depletions on event-related potentials (ERPs) generated by an auditory “oddball” paradigm were evaluated. Eighteen rats received either sham or six-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and were subsequently implanted with electrodes in the frontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus (DHPC), and amygdala (AMYG). In these animals, a series of large amplitude potentials in the 10–200 ms latency range could be recorded from all the brain areas tested. In addition, late positivities (in the 300–400 ms range) were identified in DHPC and AMYG. 6-OHDA lesions to the VTA were found to produce a 30–46% reduction in dopamine, but did not significantly alter any of the ERP components. A second series of rats were implanted with electrodes in cortex and DHPC. These rats then received vehicle injections and subsequently injections of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). PCPA produced a 50% depletion of serotonin concomitant with significant reductions in the negative components in the 50–100 ms range recorded in hippocampus and cortex. These studies support a role for serotonin but not dopamine in the processing of passively presented auditory stimuli and further suggest that the rat may be a good model for the exploration of long latency ERPs.