ISSN:
1435-1463
Keywords:
Serotonin receptors
;
autoreceptors
;
DOI
;
pindolol
;
locomotor activity
;
rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The present experiments were undertaken in order to examine mechanisms of action for reported interactions between the β-blocker (−)-pindolol and serotonergic agents. It was found that pretreatment with (−)-pindolol (2mg kg−1 s.c.) potentiated the stereotyped forward locomotion induced by the 5-HT2a/c receptor agonist DOI (0.125–1.0mg kg−1 s.c.) in rats observed in an open-field arena. This (−)-pindolol/DOI-induced stereotyped forward locomotion was fully antagonized by the 5-HT2a/c receptor antagonist ritanserin (2mg kg−1 s.c.), suggesting that (−)-pindolol enhances serotonin release, resulting i.a. in postsynaptic 5-HT2a/c receptor activation. This effect by (−)-pindolol is in all probability indirect since this compound lacks affinity for 5-HT2a/c receptors, and could be explained by reported antagonism of inhibitory serotonergic somato-dendritic 5-HT1a autoreceptors, although other possibilities related to 5-HT1b receptors or β-adrenoceptors can not be excluded at this time. Furthermore, (−)-pindolol treatment also enhanced 5-HTP-induced (12.5–100 mg kg−1 i.p.) effects on spontaneous motor activity. These effects, however, were of smaller magnitude, and less consistent than those seen in combination with DOI.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01291879
Permalink
