5-hydroxytryptamine inhibits pressor responses to preganglionic sympathetic nerve stimulation in pithed rats

Pharmacological Profile of the Purinergic P2Y Receptors That Modulate, in Response to ADPβS, the Vasodepressor Sensory CGRPergic Outflow in Pithed Rats

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), an endogenous neuropeptide released from perivascular sensory nerves, exerts a powerful vasodilatation. Interestingly, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulates the release of CGRP by activation of prejunctional P2X_2/3 receptors, and adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (ADPβS), a stable adenosine diphosphate (ADP) analogue, produces vasodilator/vasodepressor responses by endothelial P2Y₁ receptors. Since the role of ADP in the prejunctional modulation of the vasodepressor sensory CGRPergic drive and the receptors involved remain unknown, this study investigated whether ADPβS inhibits this CGRPergic drive. Accordingly, 132 male Wistar rats were pithed and subsequently divided into two sets. In set 1, ADPβS (5.6 and 10 µg/kg·min) inhibited the vasodepressor CGRPergic responses by electrical stimulation of the spinal T₉-T₁₂ segment. This inhibition by ADPβS (5.6 µg/kg·min) was reverted after i.v. administration of the purinergic antagonists MRS2500 (300 µg/kg; P2Y₁) or MRS2211 (3000 µg/kg; P2Y₁₃), but not by PSB0739 (300 µg/kg; P2Y₁₂), MRS2211 (1000 µg/kg; P2Y₁₃) or the K_ATP blocker glibenclamide (20 mg/kg). In set 2, ADPβS (5.6 µg/kg·min) failed to modify the vasodepressor responses to exogenous α-CGRP. These results suggest that ADPβS inhibits CGRP release in perivascular sensory nerves. This inhibition, apparently unrelated to activation of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels, involves P2Y₁ and probably P2Y₁₃, but not P2Y₁₂ receptors.

Potential Mechanisms Involved in Palmitoylethanolamide-Induced Vasodepressor Effects in Rats

Palmitoylethanolamide is an endogenous lipid that exerts complex vascular effects, enhances the effects of endocannabinoids and induces a direct hypotension, but the mechanisms involved have been poorly explored. Hence, this study investigated in Wistar pithed rats the role of CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and GPR55 receptors in the inhibition by palmitoylethanolamide of the vasopressor responses produced by sympathetic stimulation or exogenous noradrenaline. Frequency- and dose-dependent vasopressor responses were analysed before and during intravenous (i.v.) continuous infusions of palmitoylethanolamide in animals receiving i.v. bolus of the antagonists NIDA41020 (CB1), AM630 (CB2), capsazepine (TRPV1), and/or cannabidiol (GPR55). Palmitoyletha-nolamide (0.1-3.1 μg/kg/min) dose-dependently inhibited the sympathetically induced and noradrenaline-induced vasopressor responses. Both inhibitions were: (i) partially blocked by 100 μg/kg NIDA41020, 100 μg/kg capsazepine, or 31 μg/kg cannabidiol; (ii) unaffected by 310 μg/kg AM630; and (iii) abolished by the combination NIDA41020 + capsazepine + cannabidiol (100, 100, and 31 μg/kg, respectively). The resting blood pressure was decreased by palmitoylethanolamide (effect prevented by NIDA41020, capsazepine or cannabidiol, but not by AM630). These results suggest that: (i) palmitoylethanolamide inhibits the vasopressor responses to sympathetic stimulation and exogenous noradrenaline and that it induces hypotension; and (ii) all these effects are mediated by prejunctional and vascular CB1, TRPV1 and probably GPR55, but not by CB2, receptors.

The role of purinergic P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors in ADPβS-induced inhibition of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic drive in pithed rats

ATP is a cotransmitter released with other neurotransmitters from sympathetic nerves, where it stimulates purinergic receptors. Purinergic adenosine P₁ receptors (coupled to G_i/o proteins) produce sympatho-inhibition in several autonomic effectors by prejunctional inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Similarly, signalling through P2Y₁₂ and P2Y₁₃ receptors coupled to G_i/o proteins is initiated by the ATP breakdown product ADP. Hence, this study has pharmacologically investigated a possible role of ADP-induced inhibition of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic drive in pithed rats, using a stable ADP analogue (ADPβS) and selective antagonists for the purinergic P2Y₁, P2Y₁₂ and P2Y₁₃ receptors. Accordingly, male Wistar rats were pithed and: (i) pretreated i.v. with gallamine (25 mg/kg) and desipramine (50 μg/kg) for preganglionic spinal (C₇-T₁) stimulation of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic drive (n = 78); or (ii) prepared for receiving i.v. injections of exogenous noradrenaline (n = 12). The i.v. continuous infusions of ADPβS (10 and 30 μg/kg/min) dose-dependently inhibited the tachycardic responses to electrical sympathetic stimulation, but not those to exogenous noradrenaline. The cardiac sympatho-inhibition produced by 30 μg/kg/min ADPβS was (after i.v. administration of compounds) (i) unchanged by 1-ml/kg bidistilled water or 300-μg/kg MRS 2500 (P2Y₁ receptor antagonist), (ii) abolished by 300-μg/kg PSB 0739 (P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist) and (iii) partially blocked by 3000-μg/kg MRS 2211 (P2Y₁₃ receptor antagonist). Our results suggest that ADPβS induces a cardiac sympatho-inhibition that mainly involves the P2Y₁₂ receptor subtype and, probably to a lesser extent, the P2Y₁₃ receptor subtype. These receptors may represent therapeutic targets for treating cardiovascular pathologies, including stroke and myocardial infarctions.

Olcegepant blocks neurogenic and non-neurogenic CGRPergic vasodepressor responses and facilitates noradrenergic vasopressor responses in pithed rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Olcegepant (BIBN4096BS) is a selective non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonist with acute antimigraine properties. Since systemic vascular tone is modulated by perivascular (primary sensory CGRPergic and sympathetic) nerves, this randomized study investigated in pithed rats the effect of acute i.v. treatment with olcegepant on the neurogenic and non-neurogenic: (i) CGRPergic vasodepressor responses; and (ii) noradrenergic vasopressor responses. The pithed rat is an experimental model predictive of systemic (cardio) vascular side effects.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Seventy-five male Wistar rats (divided into 15 groups, n = 5 each) were pithed, artificially ventilated and prepared for: (i) spinal stimulation (T₉ -T₁₂ ; 0.56-5.6 Hz) of the sensory CGRPergic vasodepressor outflow or i.v. bolus injections (0.1-1 μg·kg^-1 ) of α-CGRP, substance P or acetylcholine, which induced frequency-dependent or dose-dependent vasodepressor responses; or (ii) spinal stimulation (T₇ -T₉ ; 0.03-3 Hz) of the sympathetic vasopressor outflow or i.v. bolus injections (0.03-3 μg·kg^-1 ) of noradrenaline, which produced frequency-dependent or dose-dependent vasopressor responses.

KEY RESULTS

Olcegepant (1000 and 3000 μg·kg^-1 , i.v.) dose-dependently blocked the vasodepressor responses to sensory nerve stimulation or i.v. α-CGRP, without affecting those to substance P or acetylcholine. Whereas it potentiated the vasopressor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation or i.v. noradrenaline.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Olcegepant (i.v.) selectively blocked the neurogenic and non-neurogenic CGRPergic vasodepressor responses. This blockade by olcegepant potentiated the neurogenic and non-neurogenic noradrenergic vasopressor responses in pithed rats, an effect that might result in an increased vascular resistance and, consequently, in a prohypertensive action.

Specific role of α2A - and α2B -, but not α2C -, adrenoceptor subtypes in the inhibition of the vasopressor sympathetic out-flow in diabetic pithed rats

Several lines of evidence have shown an association of diabetes with a catecholamines' aberrant homeostasis involving a drastic change in the expression of adrenoceptors. This homeostatic alteration includes, among other things, atypical actions of α2 -adrenoceptor agonists within central and peripheral α2 -adrenoceptors (e.g. profound antinociceptive effects in diabetic subjects). Hence, this study investigated the pharmacological profile of the α2 -adrenoceptor subtypes that inhibit the vasopressor sympathetic out-flow in streptozotocin-pre-treated (diabetic) pithed rats. For this purpose, B-HT 933 (up to 30 μg/kg min) was used as a selective α2 -adrenoceptor agonist and rauwolscine as a non-selective α2A/2B/2C -adrenoceptor antagonist; in addition, BRL 44408, imiloxan and JP-1302 were used as subtype-selective α2A -, α2B - and α2C -adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively (all given i.v.). I.v. continuous infusions of B-HT 933 inhibited the vasopressor responses induced by electrical sympathetic stimulation without affecting those by i.v. bolus injections of noradrenaline in both normoglycaemic and diabetic rats. Interestingly, the ED50 for B-HT 933 in diabetic rats (25 μg/kg min) was almost 1-log unit greater than that in normoglycaemic rats (3 μg/kg.min). Moreover, the sympatho-inhibition induced by 10 μg/kg min B-HT 933 in diabetic rats was (i) abolished by 300 μg/kg rauwolscine or 100 and 300 μg/kg BRL 44408; (ii) partially blocked by 1000 μg/kg imiloxan; and (iii) unchanged by 1000 μg/kg JP-1302. Our findings, taken together, suggest that B-HT 933 has a less potent inhibitory effect on the sympathetic vasopressor responses in diabetic (compared to normoglycaemic) rats and that can probably be ascribed to a down-regulation of α2C -adrenoceptors.

The dopamine receptors mediating inhibition of the sympathetic vasopressor outflow in pithed rats: pharmacological correlation with the D(2) -like type

This study investigated in pithed rats whether dopamine can inhibit the sympathetic vasopressor outflow and analysed the pharmacological profile of the receptors involved. Male Wistar pithed rats were pre-treated with intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections of gallamine (25 mg/kg) and desipramine (50 μg/kg). The vasopressor responses to electrical stimulation of the sympathetic vasopressor outflow (0.03-3 Hz; 50 V and 2 msec.) were analysed before and during i.v. continuous infusions of the agonists dopamine (endogenous ligand), SKF-38393 (D(1) -like) or quinpirole (D(2) -like). If inhibition was produced by any agonist, then its capability to inhibit the vasopressor responses to i.v. bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline (0.03-3 μg/kg) was also investigated. Dopamine (3-100 μg/kg min.) inhibited the vasopressor responses to both electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. In contrast, SKF-38393 (10-100 μg/kg min.) failed to inhibit the vasopressor responses to electrical stimulation; whereas quinpirole (0.1-30 μg/kg min.) inhibited the vasopressor responses to electrical stimulation but not those to noradrenaline. The sympatho-inhibition by quinpirole (1 μg/kg min.) remained unaltered after i.v. SCH 23390 (300 and 1000 μg/kg; D(1) -like receptor antagonist), but was abolished after i.v. raclopride (1000 μg/kg; D(2) -like receptor antagonist). These doses of antagonists did not modify per se the sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses. In conclusion, quinpirole-induced inhibition of the sympathetic vasopressor outflow is primarily mediated by activation of dopamine D(2) -like receptors.

Pharmacological profile of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced inhibition on the pressor effect elicited by sympathetic stimulation in long-term diabetic pithed rats

We analysed the type and/or subtype of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors involved in the inhibitory mechanisms of 5-HT on the pressor responses induced by stimulation of sympathetic vasopressor outflow in long-term diabetic pithed rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single subcutaneous injection of alloxan. Eight weeks later, rats were anaesthetized, pre-treated with atropine, and pithed. The effect of 5-HT on the pressor responses elicited by stimulation of the sympathetic outflow was analysed in eight-week alloxan-induced diabetic pithed rats. 5-HT (20 microg/kg/min) reduced the pressor action obtained by electrical stimulation of the sympathetic outflow. However, there was no effect on exogenous noradrenaline-induced pressor responses. 5-CT (5 microg/kg/min), 8-OH-DPAT (5 microg/kg/min), and alpha-methyl-5-HT (5 microg/kg/min), selective 5-HT(1), 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptor agonists, respectively, reproduced the 5-HT inhibitory action. Nevertheless, infusion of 5 microg/kg/min of 1-phenylbiguanide, CGS-12066B, L-694,247, BW273C86 or MK212 (5-HT(3), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D), 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(2C) receptor agonists, respectively) had no effect on the pressor responses elicited by stimulation of the sympathetic outflow. Methiothepin (100 microg/kg) and a cocktail of WAY-100,635 (100 microg/kg) and spiperone (125 microg/kg) blocked the 5-HT inhibitory effect on the pressor action obtained by sympathetic stimulation. Moreover, WAY-100, 635 abolished the 8-OH-DPAT inhibitory effect and spiperone blocked alpha-methyl-5-HT action. In conclusion, this study revealed that long-term experimental diabetes induces changes in the receptor type/subtype involved in the 5-HT inhibitory action on the sympathetic pressor responses produced by electrical stimulation. This is mainly mediated by pre-junctional 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors.

Cardiovascular responses produced by 5-hydroxytriptamine:a pharmacological update on the receptors/mechanisms involved and therapeutic implications

The complexity of cardiovascular responses produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), including bradycardia or tachycardia, hypotension or hypertension, and vasodilatation or vasoconstriction, has been explained by the capability of this monoamine to interact with different receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), on the autonomic ganglia and postganglionic nerve endings, on vascular smooth muscle and endothelium, and on the cardiac tissue. Depending, among other factors, on the species, the vascular bed under study, and the experimental conditions, these responses are mainly mediated by 5-HT(1), 5-HT(2), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4), 5-ht(5A/5B), and 5-HT(7) receptors as well as by a tyramine-like action or unidentified mechanisms. It is noteworthy that 5-HT(6) receptors do not seem to be involved in the cardiovascular responses to 5-HT. Regarding heart rate, intravenous (i.v.) administration of 5-HT usually lowers this variable by eliciting a von Bezold-Jarisch-like reflex via 5-HT(3) receptors located on sensory vagal nerve endings in the heart. Other bradycardic mechanisms include cardiac sympatho-inhibition by prejunctional 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors and, in the case of the rat, an additional 5-ht(5A/5B) receptor component. Moreover, i.v. 5-HT can increase heart rate in different species (after vagotomy) by a variety of mechanisms/receptors including activation of: (1) myocardial 5-HT(2A) (rat), 5-HT(3) (dog), 5-HT(4) (pig, human), and 5-HT(7) (cat) receptors; (2) adrenomedullary 5-HT(2) (dog) and prejunctional sympatho-excitatory 5-HT(3) (rabbit) receptors associated with a release of catecholamines; (3) a tyramine-like action mechanism (guinea pig); and (4) unidentified mechanisms (certain lamellibranch and gastropod species). Furthermore, central administration of 5-HT can cause, in general, bradycardia and/or tachycardia mediated by activation of, respectively, 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors. On the other hand, the blood pressure response to i.v. administration of 5-HT is usually triphasic and consists of an initial short-lasting vasodepressor response due to a reflex bradycardia (mediated by 5-HT(3) receptors located on vagal afferents, via the von Bezold-Jarisch-like reflex), a middle vasopressor phase, and a late, longer-lasting, vasodepressor response. The vasopressor response is a consequence of vasoconstriction mainly mediated by 5-HT(2A) receptors; however, vasoconstriction in the canine saphenous vein and external carotid bed as well as in the porcine cephalic arteries and arteriovenous anastomoses is due to activation of 5-HT(1B) receptors. The late vasodepressor response may involve three different mechanisms: (1) direct vasorelaxation by activation of 5-HT(7) receptors located on vascular smooth muscle; (2) inhibition of the vasopressor sympathetic outflow by sympatho-inhibitory 5-HT(1A/1B/1D) receptors; and (3) release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) by 5-HT(2B) and/or 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors. Furthermore, central administration of 5-HT can cause both hypotension (mainly mediated by 5-HT(1A) receptors) and hypertension (mainly mediated by 5-HT(2) receptors). The increasing availability of new compounds with high affinity and selectivity for the different 5-HT receptor subtypes makes it possible to develop drugs with potential therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of some cardiovascular illnesses including hypertension, migraine, some peripheral vascular diseases, and heart failure.

The nitric oxide synthesis/pathway mediates the inhibitory serotoninergic responses of the pressor effect elicited by sympathetic stimulation in diabetic pithed rats

We investigated the involvement of the nitric oxide pathway in the inhibitory mechanisms of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the pressor responses induced by stimulation of sympathetic vasopressor outflow in diabetic pithed rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single s.c. injection of alloxan. Four weeks later, the animals were anaesthetized, pretreated with atropine, and pithed. Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 Hz) resulted in frequency-dependent increases in blood pressure. The inhibition of electrically induced pressor responses by 5-HT (10 microg/kg/min) in diabetic pithed rats could not be elicited after i.v. treatment with 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (10 microg/kg), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, or N-omega-L-Arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (10 mg/kg), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. The inhibitory effect produced by infusion of the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxydipropylaminotretalin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) (20 microg/kg/min) was abolished in the presence of ODQ (10 microg/kg), or L-NAME (10 mg/kg) in diabetic pithed rats. The administration of L-Arginine (100 mg/kg) 30 min after L-NAME reproduced the inhibitory effect caused by 5-HT (10 microg/kg/min) and 8-OH-DPAT (20 microg/kg/min) on the electrically induced pressor responses, whereas in the presence of D-Arginine (100 mg/kg)+L-NAME the 5-HT or 8-OH-DPAT inhibitory effect on the pressor responses was abolished. In conclusion, in diabetic pithed rats, the inhibition produced by prejunctional 5-HT(1A) activation on electrically induced sympathetic pressor responses is mediated by the NO synthesis/pathway.

Potential vascular α1-adrenoceptor blocking properties of an array of 5-HT receptor ligands in the rat

This study set out to analyse the potential ability of some 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor ligands widely used in cardiovascular experimental models to interact with vascular alpha1-adrenoceptors in the pithed rat. These ligands included: methiothepin, methysergide and metergoline (5-HT(1)/5-HT2); WAY-100635, buspirone, ipsapirone and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (5-HT(1A)); GR127935 (5-HT(1B/1D)); ketanserin, ritanserin, spiperone and pizotifen (5-HT2); granisetron and metoclopramide (5-HT3); tropisetron (5-HT3/5-HT4); ergotamine (5-HT(1B/1D), 5-ht(5A/5B)); clozapine (5-HT6/5-HT7); as well as LY215840 and mesulergine (5-HT2/5-HT7). For this purpose, the increases in diastolic blood pressure produced by the selective alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, were analysed before and after the above antagonists or saline. The adrenoceptor antagonist properties of prazosin (alpha1) and yohimbine (alpha2) were also analysed for comparison. Thus, the phenylephrine-induced vasopressor responses were dose-dependently antagonised with the following apparent rank order of potency by: prazosin > or = methiothepin > ketanserin > clozapine > or = lisuride >> buspirone; this potency correlates with the affinity of these compounds for alpha1-adrenoceptor binding sites. In contrast, the other compounds were either devoid of any blocking effect on--or even potentiated (i.e. lisuride, methysergide, 8-OH-DPAT, granisetron and GR127935)--the responses to phenylephrine. These results show that methiothepin, ketanserin, clozapine, lisuride and buspirone can block alpha1-adrenoceptors in the rat systemic vasculature.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine on neurogenic vasoconstriction in the isolated, autoperfused hindquarters of the rat

1. In the present study, we analysed the effect of different doses of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; intravenous infusions of 0.001-40 microg/kg per min) in the autoperfused hindquarters of the rat subjected to electrical stimulation (frequencies of 0.5-20 Hz) of the lumbar chains, investigating the relationship between the adrenergic and serotonergic systems in this vascular bed. 2. Because we observed that 5-HT inhibited the increases in perfusion pressure induced by electrical stimulation of the lumbar chains, we used different agonists and antagonists to analyse the mechanism of action of 5-HT. 3. The effect of 5-HT was inhibited by methiothepin (a non-specific 5-HT receptor antagonist), but not by ritanserin (a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist). The effects of 5-HT were mimicked by 5-carboxamidotryptamine (a 5-HT1 receptor agonist) and L-694 247 (a selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist), but not by 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (a 5-HT1A receptor agonist), CGS-12066B (a 5-HT1B receptor agonist), alpha-methyl-5-HT (a 5-HT2 receptor agonist), 1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine (a 5-HT2C receptor agonist) or 1-phenylbiguanide (a 5-HT3 receptor agonist). The selective 5-HT1D/1B receptor antagonist BRL 15572 inhibited the effect of the agonist L-694 247. 4. Our data suggest that 5-HT inhibits the increases in perfusion pressure induced by the electrical stimulation of the lumbar chains, acting on presynaptic 5-HT1D receptors and decreasing the release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerves in the hindquarter vascular bed of the rat.

Diabetes-induced changes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine inhibitory receptors involved in the pressor effect elicited by sympathetic stimulation in the pithed rat

1. We investigated the effect of alloxan-induced diabetes on the inhibitory mechanisms of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the pressor responses induced by stimulation of sympathetic vasopressor outflow in pithed rats, and analysed the type and/or subtype of 5-HT receptors involved. 2. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single s.c. injection of alloxan, then 4 weeks later, they were anaesthetized, pretreated with atropine and pithed. Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 Hz) resulted in frequency-dependent increases in blood pressure. 3. Intravenous infusions of 5-HT (1-80 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) reduced the pressor effects obtained by electrical stimulation. The 5-HT(1) receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine, 5-CT (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), caused an inhibition of the pressor response, whereas the selective 5-HT(2) receptor agonist, alpha-methyl-5-HT (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) and the selective 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, 1-phenylbiguanide (40 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), did not modify the sympathetic pressor responses. 5-HT had no effect on exogenous noradrenaline (NA)-induced pressor responses. 4. The inhibition of electrically induced pressor responses by 5-HT (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) was unable to be elicited after i.v. treatment with methiothepin (100 microg kg(-1)) because of the marked inhibition produced by methiothepin alone. The 5-HT-induced inhibition was blocked after i.v. administration of WAY-100,635 (100 microg kg(-1)) and not affected by ritanserin (1 mg kg(-1)), MDL 72222 (2 mg kg(-1)). 5. The selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 8-hydroxydipropylaminotretalin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) (5-20 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) but neither the rodent 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, CGS-12066B (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), nor the selective nonrodent 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1D) receptor agonist, L-694,247 (5 and 40 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), inhibited the electrically induced pressor response. The selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, WAY-100,635 (100 microg kg(-1)), blocked the inhibition induced by 8-OH-DPAT (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)). 8-OH-DPAT had no effect on exogenous NA-induced pressor responses. 6. Experimental diabetes produces changes in the inhibitory effect induced by 5-HT on electrically induced sympathetic pressor responses, such that the inhibitory action induced by 5-HT in diabetic pithed rats is mediated by prejunctional 5-HT(1A) receptors.

Characterization of mechanisms involved in presynaptic inhibition of sympathetic pressor effects induced by some 5-HT1 receptor antagonists

1. In a previous study, we showed that the presynaptic inhibitory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists on sympathetic pressor effects obtained in the pithed rats were mainly mediated by activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes. At the time, we observed that some 5-HT1 receptors antagonists - WAY 100,635 and NAN-190 (both 5-HT1A receptor antagonists), methiothepin (a 5-HT1,2,5,6,7 receptor antagonist) and spiperone (a 5-HT1,2 receptor antagonist) - reduced per se the pressor effects obtained by electrical stimulation. The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanism participating in this inhibitory effect. 2. The inhibition induced by WAY 100,635 (1000 microg kg-1, i.v.) was blocked after i.v. treatment with idazoxan, an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist (300 and 1000 microg kg-1) and was not modified after i.v. treatment with propranolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (1000 microg kg-1) and sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist (1000 microg kg-1). The inhibition induced by spiperone (500 microg kg-1 i.v.) was significantly blocked by sulpiride (1000 microg kg-1) and was not modified by idazoxan or propranolol. 3. Sulpiride (1000 microg kg-1) partially blocked the inhibition induced by methiothepin (50 microg kg-1 i.v.). Only pretreatment with idazoxan (300 microg kg-1) modified the inhibition induced by NAN-190 (100 microg kg-1 i.v.), such inhibition increasing after intravenous administration of idazoxan. 4. All the antagonists used in our experiments failed to inhibit the pressor responses elicited by i.v. noradrenaline administration. 5. The above results suggest that the inhibitory effects of these 5-HT1 receptor antagonists are presynaptic in nature, but not related to the blockade of 5-HT1 receptors subtypes. The simultaneous activation or inhibition of other receptor systems could explain the inhibition produced by each 5-HT1 receptor antagonist studied.

5-Hydroxytryptamine inhibits the tachycardia induced by selective preganglionic sympathetic stimulation in pithed rats

It has been shown in several species that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is able to inhibit the responses produced by sympathetic stimulation in a wide variety of blood vessels and other organs, including the heart. However, in pithed rats, the analysis of potential sympatho-inhibitory actions of 5-HT is hampered by the fact that 5-HT (given as i.v. bolus injections) produces tachycardia per se. Moreover, most studies have investigated 5-HT-induced sympatho-inhibition at only one frequency of stimulation. Thus, the present study set out to find the experimental conditions to overcome these problems. In this regard, we analyzed the potential ability of 5-HT, administered as i.v. continuous infusions, to inhibit the tachycardia caused by stimulation of the preganglionic (C7-T1) sympathetic outflow in pithed rats. Sympathetic cardiostimulation (0.01-3 Hz) resulted in frequency-dependent increases in heart rate; these responses were potentiated after desipramine (50 microg/kg, i.v.). During continuous infusions of 5-HT (3.1-10 microg/kg.min, i.v.), but not saline, the sympathetically-induced tachycardia was dose-dependently inhibited in both control and desipramine-pretreated rats. This inhibitory effect of 5-HT was significantly more pronounced at lower frequencies of stimulation. In contrast, the above infusions of 5-HT did not inhibit the tachycardia induced by i.v. bolus injections of noradrenaline in both control and desipramine-pretreated rats. Taken together, the above findings confirm that 5-HT induces inhibition of the sympathetic chronotropic outflow in the rat by acting at receptors located prejunctionally, without evoking tachycardia, over a wide range of stimulation frequencies.

The 5-HT1-like receptors mediating inhibition of sympathetic vasopressor outflow in the pithed rat: operational correlation with the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D subtypes

1. It has been suggested that the inhibition of sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in pithed rats is mediated by 5-HT1-like receptors. The present study has re-analysed this suggestion with regard to the classification schemes recently proposed by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on 5-HT receptors. 2. Intravenous (i.v.) continuous infusions of 5-HT and the 5-HT1 receptor agonists, 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A), indorenate (5-HT1A), CP 93,129 (5-HT1B) and sumatriptan (5-HT(1B/1D)), resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses. 3. The sympatho-inhibitory responses induced by 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT, indorenate, CP 93,129 or sumatriptan were analysed before and after i.v. treatment with blocking doses of the putative 5-HT receptor antagonists, WAY 100635 (5-HT1A), cyanopindolol (5-HT(1A/1B)) or GR 127935 (5-HT(1B/1D)). Thus, after WAY 100635, the responses to 5-HT and indorenate, but not to 8-OH-DPAT, CP 93,129 and sumatriptan, were blocked. After cyanopindolol, the responses to 5-HT, indorenate and CP 93,129 were abolished, whilst those to 8-OH-DPAT and sumatriptan (except at the lowest frequency of stimulation) remained unaltered. In contrast, after GR 127935, the responses to 5-HT, CP 93,129 and sumatriptan, but not to 8-OH-DPAT and indorenate, were abolished. 4. In additional experiments, the inhibition induced by 5-HT was not modified after 5-HT7 receptor blocking doses of mesulergine. 5. The above results suggest that the 5-HT1-like receptors, which inhibit the sympathetic vasopressor outflow in pithed rats, display the pharmacological profile of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D, but not that of 5-HT7, receptors.

Characterization of prejunctional 5-HT1 receptors that mediate the inhibition of pressor effects elicited by sympathetic stimulation in the pithed rat

1. A study was made of the effects of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) on pressor responses induced in vivo by electrical stimulation of the sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord of pithed rats. All animals had been pretreated with atropine. Sympathetic stimulation (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 Hz) resulted in frequency-dependent increases in blood pressure. Intravenous infusion of 5-CT at doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg kg(-1) min(-1) reduced the pressor effects obtained by electrical stimulation. The inhibitory effect of 5-CT was significantly more pronounced at lower frequencies of stimulation. In the present study we characterized the pharmacological profile of the receptors mediating the above inhibitory effect of 5-CT. 2. The inhibition induced by 0.01 microg kg(-1) min(-1) of 5-CT on sympathetically-induced pressor responses was partially blocked after i.v. treatment with methiothepin (10 microg kg(-1)), WAY-100,635 (100 microg kg(-1)) or GR127935T (250 microg kg(-1)), but was not affected by cyanopindolol (100 microg kg(-1)). 3. The selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT and the selective 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonists sumatriptan and L-694,247 inhibited the pressor response, whereas the 5-HT1B receptor agonists CGS-12066B and CP-93,129 and the 5-HT2C receptor agonist m-CPP did not modify the pressor sympathetic responses. 4. The selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100,635 (100 microg kg(-1)) blocked the inhibition induced by 8-OH-DPAT and the selective 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist GR127935T (250 microg kg(-1)) abolished the inhibition induced either by L-694,247 or sumatriptan. 5. None of the 5-HT receptor agonists used in our experiments modified the pressor responses induced by exogenous noradrenaline (NA). 6. These results suggest that the presynaptic inhibitory action of 5-CT on the electrically-induced pressor response is mediated by both r-5-HT1D and 5-HT1A receptors.

Characterization of prejunctional 5-HT receptors mediating inhibition of sympathetic vasopressor responses in the pithed rat

1. It has recently been shown that continuous infusions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) are able to inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the pressor responses induced by preganglionic (T7-T9) sympathetic stimulation in pithed rats pretreated with desipramine (50 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). This inhibitory effect, besides being significantly more pronounced at lower frequencies of stimulation (0.03-I Hz) and devoid of tachyphylaxis, is reversible after interrupting the infusions of 5-HT (up to 5.6 micrograms kg-1 min-1). In the present study we have characterized the pharmacological profile of the receptors mediating the above inhibitory effect of 5-HT. 2. The inhibition induced by 5.6 micrograms kg-1 min-1 of 5-HT on sympathetically-induced pressor responses was not blocked after i.v. treatment with physiological saline (1 ml kg-1), ritanserin (0.1 mg kg-1), MDL 72222 (0.15 mg kg-1) or tropisetron (3 mg kg-1), which did not modify the sympathetically-induced pressor responses per se, but was significantly antagonized by the 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, methysergide (0.3 mg kg-1), which also produced a slight attenuation of the pressor responses to 0.03 and 0.1 Hz per se. 3. Unexpectedly and contrasting with methysergide, the 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, methiothepin (0.01, 0.03 and 0.1 mg kg-1) and metergoline (1 and 3 mg kg-1), apparently failed to block the above 5-HT-induced inhibition. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that these antagonists also blocked the electrically-induced pressor responses per se, presumably by blockade of vascular alpha 1-adrenoceptors and, indeed, this property might have masked their potential antagonism at the inhibitory 5-HT1-like receptors. 4. Consistent with the above findings, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, a potent 5-HT1-like receptor agonist), metergoline and methysergide mimicked the inhibitory action of 5-HT with the following rank order of agonist potency: 5CT > > 5-HT > metergoline > or = methysergide. 5. Taken together, the above results suggest that the inhibitory action of 5-HT on the electrically-induced pressor responses is primarily mediated by an action on inhibitory prejunctional 5-HT1-like receptors leading to a decrease in the sympathetic nerve discharge. Interestingly, 5-HT-induced excitatory mechanisms could be made manifest once the inhibitory action of 5-HT had been antagonized.