Serotonin and Antiserotonins

Abstract

Serotonin, (5 hydroxy-tryptamine), a naturally occurring compound, is pharmacologically active on intravenous injection in man. It consistently increases the pulse rate but has a variable pressor depressor, or biphasic effect on the arterial pressure. The mode of action of serotonin on these functions is not clear. Serotonin consistently and characteristically increases ventilation. However, it does not cause striking circulatory changes in the kidney although it usually produces moderate antidiuresis. The benzyl analog of serotonin (BAS) (1-benzyl-2-methyl-3-methoxy-tryptamine), both intravenously and orally, reduces or prevents the symptoms caused by serotonin. Intravenously, BAS in addition has demonstrable "antiserotonin" effects on the characteristic blood pressure and respiratory responses to serotonin.