5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced hypothermia in rats as an in vivo model for the quantitative study of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors.

Abstract

Intrahypothalamic injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) caused a fall in core temperature in lightly restrained rats maintained at an ambient temperature of 17 degrees C. The hypothermia was blocked by 5-HT antagonists with a relative potency of methiothepin greater than methergoline greater than methysergide greater than cinanserin greater than cyproheptadine. The peripheral 5-HT antagonist, xylamidine, was not an antagonist, suggesting the hypothermia was of central origin. Other neurotransmitter antagonists, haloperidol, atropine, phentolamine, and propranolol failed to prevent 5-HT-induced hypothermia. This suggests that the hypothermic response to 5-HT can be used for a quantitative study of drug action at central 5-HT receptors.

• Authors: B Cox, T F Lee
• Journal: Journal of pharmacological methods (J Pharmacol Methods) Vol. 5 Issue 1 Pg. 43-51 (Jan 1981) ISSN: 0160-5402 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6115102 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neurotransmitter Agents
• Receptors, Serotonin
• Serotonin Antagonists
• Serotonin

Topics

• Animals
• Binding, Competitive (drug effects)
• Body Temperature (drug effects)
• Hypothalamus
• Injections
• Injections, Intraperitoneal
• Male
• Neurotransmitter Agents (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Rats
• Receptors, Serotonin (drug effects)
• Serotonin (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Serotonin Antagonists (pharmacology)