Modulatory effects of the serotonergic and histaminergic systems on reaction to light in the crustacean Gammarus pulex

Serotonin modulates reaction to light in many animals. In the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex, exogenous administration of serotonin induces a transient reversal of photic behaviour from strong photophobia to photophily. We have elucidated further the neuromodulation of photic behaviour in G. pulex by using in vivo pharmacology and behavioural testing. Using several mammalian 5-HT receptor antagonists and agonists, we provide evidence for a role of serotonin receptors in the 5-HT-dependent regulation of G. pulex photic behaviour, possibly involving 5-HTR2 subtype. Serotonin-induced photophily was blocked by the 5-HT receptor antagonists, mianserin, cyproheptadine, and ritanserin, but not…