Effect of serotonin on cardiac output and organ blood flow of rats

Abstract

The effects of intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of serotonin on cardiac output, blood pressure, and organ distribution of blood flow (Rb86) were studied in the rat. Fifteen to thirty minutes after intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg) cardiac output was unchanged, while blood pressure was significantly reduced. Increase in blood flow was noted in the myocardium, pulmonary parenchyma and "carcass" (skeletal muscle, bone, CNS), with decrease in the kidney and the skin. Splanchnic blood flow was unchanged. Conversely, intravenous infusion of serotonin produced an increase of cardiac output, blood pressure, and cutaneous blood flow.