THE CELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF 5-HT2A RECEPTORS IN THE SPINAL-CORD AND SPINAL GANGLIA OF THE ADULT-RAT

The localization of serotonin(2A) (5-HT2A) receptors in the adult rat spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia was examined by using a polyclonal antibody that recognizes the C-terminus peptides of the mouse 5-HT2A receptor. Positive cell bodies of 5-HT2A receptor were found in severa l regions of the spinal cord. Generally, large-to-intermediate sized n euronal cell bodies were intensely immunolabeled. Motoneurons in the v entral horn were the most intensely labeled. Dot-like immunoreactive p rofiles were located beneath the cell membrane of motoneurons. Neurona l somata in the intermediolateral nucleus of the thoracic spinal cord were moderately labeled. The immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn was w eak. A considerable number of glial cell bodies in the while matter we re immunostained. The majority of both small and large sized neurons w ere 5-HT2A immunopositive in the dorsal root ganglion. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.