ALTERATION OF POTASSIUM-EVOKED 5-HT RELEASE FROM VIRUS-INFECTED RAT CORTICAL SYNAPTOSOMES

POTASSIUM-evoked H-3-serotonin (5-HT) release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes was performed after peripheral inoculation with fixed ra bies virus CVS (challenge virus strain). At the onset of clinical symp toms, the rats were sacrificed, synaptosomes were prepared from dissec ted cortices and assayed for K+ evoked 5-HT release. The results show a decrease in evoked 5-HT release from virus-infected synaptosomes. Al terations in serotoninergic transmission in rabies virus infected brai n cortex indicate a possible involvement in the triggering of pathogen etic mechanisms relating to the clinicopathological manifestations of the viral disease.