Maria Mulle Bernedo

and 3 more

Decreased serotonin (5-HT) has long been linked to increased aggressive behavior. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is an enzyme involved in 5-HT synthesis and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) inhibits its activity. TPH2 mRNA expression presence has been mainly described in the raphe complex rodent’s brain. 5-HT-producing neurons in the raphe project their axons to olfactory bulb, considered to be a relevant structure in rodents for establishing social interactions, including aggressive behavior. However, the relationship between olfactory bulb and aggression in a pCPA 5-HT depletion model has not been studied. Moreover, receptor subunit GABA α1 has been found in the olfactory bulb and 5-HT depletion could affect GABAA receptor expression in different brain areas. Thus, our aim was to evaluate aggressive behavior, serotonergic activity, the TPH2 and GABAA α1 mRNA expression, in the olfactory bulb, after a single pCPA (300mg/kg) or vehicle i.p. administration in male rats. Aggression was tested using a resident intruder test. Sequentially, the olfactory bulb was obtained, and neurochemical and molecular techniques were used to measure 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TPH2, and GABAA α1 mRNA expression respectively. pCPA administration increased aggressive behavior parameters, without affecting locomotion, nonsocial or social interaction. 5-HT levels were decreased after pCPA administration, as well as its turnover rate, although there were no significant changes in 5-HIAA. TPH2 mRNA expression was increased. GABAA α1 mRNA expression was increased in the olfactory bulb. Our results apport evidence to the serotonergic deficiency hypothesis of aggression and highlight olfactory bulb role as an important structure for understanding aggressive behavior neurobiological complexity.