The identification of serotonergic neurons: In vivo versus in vitro

Abstract

We hope that our focus article as well as the commentaries by Huang, Christie, and Wessendorf will encourage the readers to consider the puzzle of serotonin's role in pain modulation. As highlighted in Huang's commentary, more research is particularly necessary with regard to serotonin's actions within the spinal cord. In designing and performing these experiments, we urge our colleagues to consider that: (1) serotonergic cells are likely to use a tonic, concentration-dependent code and (2) serotonin release is likely to modulate the effects of other neurotransmitters as well as have effects on its own.