Ghrelin postsynaptically depolarizes dorsal raphe neurons in rats in vitro

▶ Most dorsal raphe neurons postsynaptically depolarized by ghrelin. ▶ Ionic mechanisms include increase in nonselective cationic conductance and decrease in K+ conductance. ▶ Most depolarized neurons were putative serotonergic neurons. ▶ Dorsal raphe neurons, especially serotonin-containing neurons, might be involved in ghrelin CNS effects.