5-HT2 RECEPTORS IN THE NUCLEUS-TRACTUS-SOLITARIUS - CHARACTERIZATION AND ROLE IN CARDIOVASCULAR REGULATION IN THE RAT

The effects of the local application of drugs acting on 5-HT2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) on the heart rate and blood pressure were investigated in normal and nodose ganglionectomized anaesthetized rats. The unilateral micro-injection of an agonist such as 2,5-dimethoxy-3-bromo-amphetamine (DOB) (0.1-0.5 pmol) or 2,5-dimethoxy-3-nitroamphetamine (DON) (0.1-0.5 pmol) produced a dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia in both intact and ganglionectomized animals. These cardiovascular effects were similar to those observed after the unilateral micro-injection of low doses (pmol) of 5-HT, and could be prevented by the prior micro-injections of the 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin, ritanserin and piremperone. These findings support the hypothesis that 5-HT2 receptors within the NTS play a role in the reflex regulation of blood pressure. In addition, it was also observed that the micro-injection of subthreshold doses of 5-HT or DOB significantly enhanced the hypotension and bradycardia produced by the unilateral micro-injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The potentiation of NMDA depressor effects by 5-HT or DOB could be totally prevented by ketanserin or piremperone, suggesting that 5-HT acting upon 5-HT2 receptors in the NTS may intervene in the reflex control of blood pressure by modulating the glutamatergic transmission.