The guinea pig myoclonic model: behavioral supersensitivity to 5-hydroxytryptophan induced by intracisternal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine.

Abstract

To study the species difference of guinea pigs and rats in response to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), we injected both animals intracisternally with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. In rats with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions, 5-HTP evoked the well described myoclonic-serotonergic syndrome. In the guinea pig, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions significantly increased the severity of myoclonic response to 5-HTP (150 mg/kg) compared to vehicle controls, resulting in lethal convulsions. Guinea pigs treated with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine did not develop spontaneous myoclonus, or when treated with 5-HTP, other 'serotonergic behaviors' such as lateral head weaving, hindlimb abduction, and forepaw tapping. Guinea pigs tolerated intracisternal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine less well than rats, with a higher mortality, although immediate post-injection convulsions were less severe and did not require phenobarbital prophylaxis. Staged lower doses of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (100-200 micrograms) were better tolerated than a single high dose of neurotoxin (400 micrograms). The regional profile of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions in the guinea pig resembled that of the rat, with maximal depletion of 5-HT in spinal cord and selected forebrain structures, and little effect in diencephalon and midbrain. Depletions in the guinea pig were less selective for 5-HT using desipramine pretreatment than in the rat. In naive guinea pigs and rats, regional content of 5-HT was similar. These data suggest that the functional integrity of serotonergic neurons is not requisite for the expression of myoclonus induced by 5-HTP in the guinea pig. 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine lesions in the guinea pig resulted in behavioral and neurochemical similarities and differences in comparison with the rat.

• Authors: M R Pranzatelli, S R Snodgrass
• Journal: European journal of pharmacology (Eur J Pharmacol) Vol. 143 Issue 2 Pg. 237-42 (Nov 10 1987) ISSN: 0014-2999 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 3500866 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dihydroxytryptamines
• 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan

Topics

• 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Behavior, Animal (drug effects)
• Brain (drug effects, metabolism)
• Cisterna Magna
• Dihydroxytryptamines (pharmacology)
• Guinea Pigs
• Injections
• Injections, Subcutaneous
• Male
• Myoclonus (physiopathology)