Membrane potential changes induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine in the rabbit superior cervical ganglion

Evidence that the 5-HT3 receptors of the rat, mouse and guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion may be different

1. Using grease-gap recordings from the isolated superior cervical ganglion of mouse, rat and guinea-pig, we have compared the depolarization evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with that evoked by the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (2-Me-5-HT). 2. The maximum depolarization induced by 2-Me-5-HT was smaller than that induced by 5-HT in all three species, and particularly in the guinea-pig. 3. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 microM) caused a clear rightward shift of the dose-response curve to 5-HT on the guinea-pig ganglion, but not on the mouse or rat ganglion. Spiperone (0.03 microM) had a quantitatively similar action to ketanserin (0.1 microM) on the 5-HT dose-response curve of the guinea-pig ganglion. Ketanserin had no significant effect on the dose-response curve to 2-Me-5-HT on any of these ganglia. 4. Using 2-Me-5-HT as the agonist, we determined the pA2 values for two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The potency of ICS 205-930 varied by approximately 100 fold between the species and that of (+)-tubocurarine varied by over 1000 fold. The differences in the pA2 values of these compounds varied independently among the species. 5. We conclude that 5-HT3 receptors are present on the superior cervical ganglion from the rat, mouse and guinea-pig, but these receptors may be pharmacologically distinct from each other. In addition, the depolarization of the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion by low concentrations of 5-HT is largely mediated by ketanserin-sensitive receptors.

Pharmacological characterization of 5-HT receptors in parasympathetic innervation of rat heart

A study was made of the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on bradycardia induced in vivo by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves in pithed rats pretreated with atenolol. 5-HT significantly decreased vagally induced, but not acetylcholine-induced, bradycardia. The first effect was blocked by methiothepin, ketanserin or methiothepin with ketanserin. When 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors were blocked, 5-HT produced an increase in vagally induced bradycardia. Both the inhibition and the potentiation were blocked by simultaneous pretreatment with methiothepin, ketanserin and MDL-72222. The 5-HT2 receptor agonist m-CPP (1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine dihydrochloride) caused an inhibition of vagally induced bradycardia whereas the 5-HT3 receptor agonist m-CPBG (1-(m-chlorophenyl)biguanide hydrochloride) produced a significant increase. The data suggest the presence of presynaptic and/or ganglionic 5-HT2 receptors in parasympathetic innervation of the rat heart, stimulation of which inhibits the release of acetylcholine. The presence of 5-HT3 receptors is also suggested, stimulation of which induces the release of acetylcholine.

The effect of ondansetron on atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether treatment with ondansetron, a new antiemetic drug, affects nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, prospective study.

SETTING

Operating room at a university medical center.

PATIENTS

30 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for elective surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

After the induction of anesthesia with midazolam 2 to 4 mg/kg, sodium thiopental 6 to 8 mg/kg, and fentanyl 4 to 8 micrograms/kg, the ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist through subcutaneous needle electrodes at a frequency of 0.15 Hz. The response to stimulation was measured and recorded with a force-displacement transducer applied to the thumb. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups. A steady baseline to ulnar nerve stimulation with nitrous oxide-oxygen-opioid-thiopental anesthesia was established. The first study group (Group 1) received a placebo, the second group (Group 2) received 8 mg of ondansetron, and the third group (Group 3) received 16 mg of ondansetron as an intravenous infusion over 5 minutes. Patients were then given incremental doses of atracurium 0.05 mg/kg at 3-minute intervals to establish approximately 95% twitch inhibition so as to construct a dose-response curve. An atracurium infusion was then begun to maintain a constant degree of neuromuscular blockade. At the end of surgery, patients were allowed to recover spontaneously, or pharmacologic antagonism of residual neuromuscular blockade was achieved with neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg and glycopyrrolate 0.01 mg/kg. Mechanomyographic response to train-of-four stimuli (2 Hz for 2 seconds) every 20 seconds was monitored during the atracurium infusion and recovery from neuromuscular blockade.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Log dose-response curves were determined for the study groups and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The 50%, 75%, and 95% effective doses (ED50, ED75, and ED95) were calculated from the equation describing the log dose-response. Maintenance infusion rates were determined, and the neostigmine-accelerated recovery index of 25% to 75% was measured for each group. The results were compared using ANOVA. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups with respect to maintenance infusion rate (7.8 +/- 1.8 micrograms/kg/min for Group 1, 7.7 +/- 2.5 micrograms/kg/min for Group 2, and 7.3 +/- 2.3 micrograms/kg/min for Group 3) or neostigmine-accelerated recovery interval of 25% to 75% (4.5 +/- 2.3 minutes, 4.4 +/- 3.1 minutes, 6.6 +/- 3.9 minutes in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The log dose-response data for Groups 1, 2, and 3 did not differ significantly (p = 0.068), and the calculated ED95 in each treatment group demonstrated no dose-related change (0.254 +/- 0.022, 0.279 +/- 0.033, and 0.240 +/- 0.022 for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron is an antiemetic drug that can be used in the perioperative period without concern for potentiation of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade, change in atracurium maintenance dose, or change in rate of neostigmine-induced recovery from neuromuscular blockade with atracurium.

Effects of detergents on binding of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes

In the absence of detergent, specific binding of [3H]GR65630, a 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) antagonist, determined in the presence of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS205-930, was at most 30% of the total binding. To decrease the level of nonspecific binding, the effects of detergents on [3H]GR65630 binding to rat cortical membranes were investigated. The use of a detergent (0.1% Lubrol PX or Triton X-100) decreased nonspecific binding, increasing the proportion of specific binding to 70% of total binding. In the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100, binding of [3H]GR65630 was rapid, reversible and saturable at 25 degrees C. The rank order of 5-HT3 receptor active drugs in inhibiting [3H]GR65630 binding was quipazine > ICS205-930 > 2-methyl-5-HT = 5-HT > metoclopramide, which confirmed that [3H]GR65630 efficiently labeled 5-HT3 receptors in the presence of Triton X-100. Triton X-100 improved 5-HT3 receptor binding with rat brain membranes.

5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig: effect of 5-HT2 receptor activation on acetylcholine release

1. The bronchoconstrictor responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were studied in the guinea-pig to establish whether they are partly attributable to parasympathetic activation within the airways. 5-HT dose-response curves were constructed in anaesthetized and ventilated guinea-pigs pretreated with saline, or by bilateral cervical vagotomy or vagotomy plus atropine 3 mg kg-1, i.v. Vagotomy had no effect on 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction but vagotomy plus atropine significantly reduced it. 2. To determine whether parasympathetic activation within the airways resulted from pre- or postganglionic stimulation, 5-HT dose-response curves were constructed for two groups of vagotomized guinea-pigs treated with hexamethonium 2 mg kg-1, or hexamethonium 2 mg kg-1, plus atropine 3 mg kg-1. Guinea-pigs treated with hexamethonium plus atropine experienced significantly less 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction than those treated with hexamethonium alone. 3. To characterize the subtype of 5-HT receptors involved in the activation of the parasympathetic system by 5-HT, dose-response curves to 5-HT were constructed for four groups of vagotomized guinea-pigs treated with saline, 1 mg kg-1 of the 5-HT3 antagonist ICS 205-930, or either 0.01 or 0.1 mg kg-1 of the 5-HT2 antagonist ketanserin. ICS 205-930 enhanced 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction but 0.01 mg kg-1 ketanserin inhibited it significantly and 0.1 mg kg-1 ketanserin abolished it. To confirm the involvement of 5-HT2 receptors in these responses, we studied the effects in vagotomized guinea-pigs of atropine on the bronchoconstriction induced by the 5-HT2 agonist,x alpha-methyl-5-HT, infused at rates of 40 and 80ngkg-1s-'. At both rates, atropine significantly reduced the bronchoconstrictor responses to alpha-methyl-5-HT. 4. The above results indicate that 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction is indeed partly mediated by parasympathetic activation within the airways. This activation is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors which are probably located on the postganglionic parasympathetic nerve endings.

Solubilisation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor from pooled rat cortical and hippocampal membranes

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptors have been identified in the rat brain using the radioligand [3H]Q ICS 205-930. We report here that these sites have been solubilised from membranes prepared from pooled rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus using various detergents. Of the six detergents tested (1% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate, 0.5% deoxycholate, 1% Lubrol, 0.5% digitonin, 1% Triton X-100, and 1% octyl glucoside), deoxycholate (0.5%) yielded the best solubilisation (54.6 +/- 6% of receptor, 70.5 +/- 4% of protein; n = 3). However, most detergents inhibited binding of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 in solution. Binding was found to be optimal after the receptor had been exchanged by gel filtration through Sephadex G-25 into the detergent Lubrol PX (0.05%). Binding of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 to these soluble sites was saturable and specific (Bmax = 46.1 +/- 6 fmol/mg of protein; KD = 0.33 +/- 0.09 nM; n = 4) and was similar to that observed in membranes. Kinetic studies of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding demonstrated it to be rapid, with equilibrium being achieved within 15 min at 4 degrees C. The KD determined from the rates of association and dissociation (0.38 nM) agreed well with that determined by saturation analysis. Various antagonists completed for the soluble receptors with a rank order of potency typical for binding at a 5-HT3 receptor site: zacopride (Ki = 0.26 nM) greater than quipazine (0.37 nM) = Q ICS 205-930 (0.33 nM) greater than ICS 205-930 (0.93 nM) greater than GR 38032F (2.2 nM) greater than BRL 24924 (4.1 nM) greater than MDL 72222 (23.4 nM) greater than ketanserin (6,000 nM). The agonists 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT also competed for [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding with high affinity (39.6 and 55.6 nM, respectively). Therefore, we conclude that the 5-HT3 receptor of rat brain has been successfully solubilised, and this should provide a good starting point for purification of the receptor.

The properties of 5-HT3 receptors in clonal cell lines studied by patch-clamp techniques

1 The characteristics of transmembrane currents evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the neuroblastoma x Chinese hamster brain cell line NCB-20 and neuroblastoma clonal cell line N1E-115 have been studied under voltage-clamp conditions by the whole-cell recording and outside-out membrane patch modes of the patch-clamp technique. 2 In 73% of NCB-20 cells examined (n = 221), and all N1E-115 cells studied (n = 80), 5-HT (10 microM) elicited a transient inward current at negative holding potentials, this being associated with an increase in membrane conductance. In both cell lines responses to 5-HT reversed in sign at a potential of approximately -2 mV and demonstrated inward rectification. 3 The reversal potential of 5-HT-induced currents (E5-HT) recorded from either NCB-20 or N1E-115 cells was unaffected by total replacement of internal K+ by Cs+. In N1E-115 cells, reducing internal K+ concentration from 140 to 20 mM produced a positive shift in E5-HT of approximately 28 mV, whereas reducing external Na+ from 143 to 20 mM was associated with a negative shift in E5-HT of about 37 mV. A large reduction in internal Cl- concentration (from 144 to 6 mM) had little effect on E5-HT. 4 5-HT-induced currents of NCB-20 cells were unaffected by methysergide (1 microM) or ketanserin (1 microM), but were reversibly antagonized by GR38032F (0.1-1.0 nM) with an IC50 of 0.25 nM. GR 38032F (0.3 nM) reduced 5-HT-induced currents in N1E-115 cells to approximately 26% of their control value. 5 On outside-out membrane patches excised from both NCB-20 and N1E-115 cells, 5-HT induced small inward currents which could not be clearly resolved into discrete single channel events. Such responses were: (i) reversibly antagonized by GR 38032F (1 nM) (ii) reversed in sign at 0 mV, and (iii) subject to desensitization. 6 Fluctuation analysis of inward currents evoked by 5-HT (1 microM) in N1E-115 cells suggests that 5-HT gates a channel with a conductance of approximately 310fS. Such a relatively small conductance could readily explain why the response of outside-out membrane patches to 5-HT cannot at present be resolved into clear single channel events.

The depolarizing action of 5-hydroxytryptamine on rabbit isolated preganglionic cervical sympathetic nerves

This study describes a depolarizing action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on rabbit isolated preganglionic cervical sympathetic nerves using an extracellular recording technique. From cumulative concentration-response curves for 5-HT (1 mumol/l-1 mmol/l), the mean maximal depolarization was shown to be 277 +/- 32 microV and EC50 was 9.4 mumol/l (6.5-13.6 mumol/l, geometric mean, 95% confidence limits, n = 42). The responses to 5-HT displayed marked tachyphylaxis. When cumulative concentration-response curves to 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT were determined in the same preparations (n = 4), the mean maximal response to 5-HT was 519 +/- 167 microV, EC50 32.2 mumol/l (8.8-118 mumol/l) and the mean maximal response to 2-methyl-5-HT was 317 +/- 63 microV, EC50 35.1 mumol/l (12.9-95.5 mumol/l, geometric means, 95% confidence limits). The action of selective 5-HT antagonists was tested on repeated cumulative concentration-response curves to 5-HT. Neither methiothepin (0.1-1 mumol/l, n = 3) nor ketanserin (0.1-1 mumol/l, n = 3) had an action on 5-HT responses. The selective 5-HT3 antagonists MDL 72222, ICS 205-930 and SDZ 206-830 were all potent antagonists of the 5-HT depolarizations. The action of these antagonists was quantified by determining the apparent pA2 from the dose ratios and a Schild plot.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A comparison of fast and slow depolarizations evoked by 5-HT in guinea-pig coeliac ganglion cells in vitro

1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was applied by pressure ejection to coeliac ganglion cells of the guinea-pig maintained in vitro and responses measured intracellularly. 2. Cells responded in one of three ways to 5-HT: by (a) a fast, transient depolarization (43%), (b) a fast transient followed by a slow depolarization (biphasic response, 30%) or (c) a slow sustained depolarization (25%). 3. Fast depolarizations (response (a) above] were graded according to the duration of the ejection pulse. Maximal responses had a mean amplitude of 12 +/- 0.8 mV, a duration of 6.4 +/- 1.0 s, a latency of 0.4 +/- 0.1 s, were associated with a fall in membrane input resistance, increased in amplitude by hyperpolarization and probably mediated by an increased conductance to Na and K. The estimated reversal potential was -22.8 +/- 2.4 mV (n = 14). The maximal fast response seen in biphasically-responding cells (b) appeared similar to fast response (a). 4. Fast depolarizations (a) showed marked tachyphylaxis and were abolished by superfusion of the ganglion with 5-HT (100 microM). They were reduced in amplitude by tubocurarine (10-100 microM, pIC50 4.4), MDL 72222 (1-5 microM, pIC50 5.8), quipazine (1 microM reduced responses by 65 +/- 15%, n = 3), ICS 205-930 (1 microM reduced responses by 64 +/- 14%, n = 7) and metoclopramide (10 microM reduced responses by about 45%), but were unafected by methysergide (up to 1 microM) or hexamethonium (up to 1 mM). 5. Slow depolarizations (c) varied in amplitude with the duration of the ejection pulse. Maximal responses had a mean amplitude of 6.4 +/- 0.7 mV, a duration of 62 +/- 6 s, a latency of 3.5 +/- 0.8 s and were reduced in amplitude by methysergide (0.1-1 microM, pIC50 6.5) but not by MDL 72222 (1 microM). The maximal slow component in biphasically-responding cells (b) was similar in amplitude and duration to slow response (c), was partially blocked by methysergide (1-5 microM) in 4 of 6 cells and was enhanced by tubocurarine (50 microM) which reduced the fast component. 6. Slow depolarizations (b,c) were associated with either a small reduction or no change in membrane input resistance depending on the cell studied. Hyperpolarization had variable effects on slow depolarization amplitude. 7. It was concluded that the fast, phasic depolarization is mediated by an ionic mechanism and by receptors both of which are distinct from those involved in the slow depolarization. The receptor mediating the fast depolarization is a 5-HT3 receptor while that mediating the slow depolarization has yet to be identified.

Fast and slow depolarizing responses of guinea-pig coeliac ganglion cells to 5-hydroxytryptamine

Responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) applied by pressure ejection to guinea-pig coeliac ganglion cells were recorded intracellularly in vitro. Three types of responses were observed: a fast depolarization (43% of cells), a slow depolarization (25%) and a biphasic response comprising an initial fast followed by a slow depolarization (30%). Fast depolarizations had a mean duration of 6.4 s and were associated with a decrease in membrane input resistance. On hyperpolarizing the membrane, responses increased in amplitude; the mean reversal potential was -23 mV. Fast responses were nearly eliminated in a Na-free medium but were unaffected by low Ca/high Mg solution or by low Cl medium. Fast responses were depressed by MDL 72222, quipazine, metoclopramide, and by relatively high concentrations of D-tubocurarine, but unaffected by methysergide. Slow responses had a mean duration of 62 s and were associated either with no change or a slight fall in membrane resistance. hyperpolarizing the membrane, slow responses were increased in most but not all cells tested. Slow depolarizations were depressed by methysergide but unaffected by agents that suppressed the fast responses. The biphasic response displayed electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of both the fast and slow depolarizations. It is concluded that guinea-pig coeliac ganglion cells display either a rapid depolarization, a slow depolarization or a biphasic response to 5-HT, that the fast depolarization appears to be mediated by a conductance increase to Na and K, while a different mechanism appears to underlie the slow depolarization, and that the two responses are mediated by different kinds of 5-HT receptor.

Origin of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced hyperpolarization of the rat superior cervical ganglion and vagus nerve

1 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced membrane potential changes were recorded extracellularly from rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) and cervical vagus nerves in vitro. 2 On the SCG, low concentrations of 5-HT (1 X 10(-8)-3 X 10(-7) M) induced concentration-related hyperpolarization responses. Higher concentrations of 5-HT (1 X 10(-6) 1 X 10(-4) M) induced complex responses which typically consisted of an initial hyperpolarization, followed by a depolarization and subsequent after-hyperpolarization. The depolarization, but not the initial hyperpolarization, was blocked by metoclopramide (3 X 10(-5) M), quipazine (1 X 10(-6) M) or MDL 72222 (1 X 10(-5) M). 3 5-HT-induced hyperpolarization of the SCG was potentiated when the amount of calcium chloride added to the superfusion medium was reduced from 2.5 to 0.15 mmol l-1. Hyperpolarization responses recorded from SCG preparations superfused with this low-calcium medium were unaffected by the substitution of lithium chloride for sodium chloride and were potentiated by the omission of potassium ions. Ouabain (1 X 10(-3) M) abolished both the hyperpolarization and the depolarization induced by 5-HT. 4 On the vagus nerve, 5-HT (1 X 10(-7) - 3 X 10(-5)M) did not induce initial hyperpolarization in either normal or low-calcium Krebs-Henseleit medium. However, in the latter solution only, depolarization responses induced by 5-HT at concentrations of 1 X 10(-6)M or greater were followed by hyperpolarization. Both the depolarization and the post-5-HT hyperpolarization were blocked by metoclopramide (3 X 10(-5)M) but were unaffected by spiperone (1 X 10(-7)M). 5 On the vagus nerve, post-5-HT hyperpolarization responses were selectively and reversibly inhibited by ouabain, and by superfusion with Krebs-Henseleit medium that was either potassium-free or contained lithium chloride in place of sodium chloride. 7 These results demonstrate the generation in the rat SCG of a 5-HT-induced hyperpolarization response that is not mediated through 5-HT3 receptors and is unlikely to be a consequence of depolarization. In contrast, on the rat vagus nerve, the post-5-HT hyperpolarization observed in the present study had the characteristics expected of depolarization-dependent activation of a sodium ion pump.

The actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the rabbit ciliary ganglion

Intracellular recordings were made from ciliary ganglion neurones of the rabbit in vitro. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) produced a rapid depolarization in 67% of the neurones examined. The 5-HT-induced depolarization persisted in solutions containing zero (1-100 microM), or on the amplitude and the duration of the current used for ionophoresis. The 5-HT-induced depolarization was associated with a marked fall of input resistance and reversed in polarity at about -10 mV. The 5-HT-induced response was reversibly abolished in sodium-free solution. A marked desensitization to this action of 5-HT was observed. After the 5-HT depolarization passed off due to desensitization, 5-HT (1 microM-1 mM) reversibly depressed the amplitude of cholinergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in 91% of the neurones tested in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 5-HT did not detectably affect the depolarization induced by ionophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh). The frequency of spontaneous miniature EPSPs (in 20 mM potassium solution) was decreased by 5-HT (30-100 microM). These results demonstrate that 5-HT exerts two separate actions in the rabbit parasympathetic ciliary ganglion. One is a depolarization of ganglion cells due to an increase in membrane permeability to sodium and presumably potassium ions; the other is a depression of ACh release from presynaptic fibres. Further pharmacological characteristics of these actions of 5-HT were investigated and discussed.

The influence of temperature upon depolarizing responses of rat isolated vagal nerve to 5-hydroxytryptamine

In isolated cervical segments of rat vagus nerve, over the temperature range 5-45 degrees C, reversible depolarizations to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were maximal at 10 degrees C and negligible at 45 degrees C. Dose-response curves for this depolarization were compared at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C, with a similar sensitivity but marked proportionate reduction at 37 degrees C vs 20 degrees C, whilst the 5-HT-induced depression of vagal compound action potentials seen at 20 degrees C was abolished at 37 degrees C; such changes at 20 degrees C or 37 degrees C were insensitive to inhibitors of 5-HT-uptake (zimelidine) or MAO (pargyline). 5-HT may participate in presynaptic inhibition of C-fibre afferents.

Further studies on the blockade of 5-HT depolarizations of rabbit vagal afferent and sympathetic ganglion cells by MDL 72222 and other antagonists

The blocking action of MDL 72222 (1 alpha H, 3 alpha, 5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl-3, 5-dichlorobenzoate at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors on nodose (NG) and superior cervical ganglia (SCG) has been investigated further. The sucrose-gap technique was used to record potential changes from populations of neurones. The surmountable blockade induced by small concentrations of the antagonist was quantified and the blocking potency compared with that of a number of other compounds. In nodose ganglia three 4-5 point dose-response (DR) curves were established, using bolus injections of 5-HT (5-80 nmol). The mean amplitude of the response to 80 nmol was 4.18 +/- 0.53 mV and the ED50 was 18.2 nmol. Second and 3rd dose-response curves showed small displacements to the right, indicating a slight reduction in sensitivity. In superior cervical ganglia responsiveness was less. Amounts of 5-HT ranging from 20 to 320 nmol evoked dose-related depolarizations. The mean amplitude of the response evoked by 320 nmol 5-HT was 1.7 +/- 0.14 mV. Three 4-5 point dose-response curves could be elicited from a single ganglion. The ED50 was 55.8 nmol. Initial, 2nd and 3rd dose-response curves could be superimposed, there being no significant rightward shift. The results confirm that MDL 72222 is a potent, selective antagonist at 5-HT receptors in nodose and superior cervical ganglia. In the nodose ganglion, after equilibration for 1 hr with 10(-8) or 10(-7) M MDL 72222, dose-response curves for 5-HT showed rightward, parallel shifts. In contrast, 10(-6) M MDL 72222 or prolonged exposure (3-4 hr) to 10(-8), 10(-7) or 10(-6) M caused larger rightward shifts of the dose-response curves and depressed the maximum responses. In the superior cervical ganglion, equilibration for 1 hr with concentrations of 10(-8) or 10(-7) M produced effects on the dose-response curves similar to those seen in the nodose ganglion, but longer exposures (3-4 hr) did not depress the maximum. Apparent pA2 values were determined from individual experiments on both the nodose and superior cervical ganglia, where MDL 72222 (10(-7) M or less, for 1 hr) caused parallel or near parallel shifts of dose-response curves. In the nodose ganglion the apparent pA2 was 7.7 +/- 0.1, while in the superior cervical ganglion it was 7.8 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- SEM). The nature of the blockade induced by prolonged exposures or by concentrations greater than 10(-7) M is discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The depolarizing action of 5-hydroxytryptamine on rabbit vagal afferent and sympathetic neurones in vitro and its selective blockade by ICS 205-930

Depolarizing responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were recorded from rabbit nodose (NG) and superior cervical (SCG) ganglia using the sucrose-gap technique. The antagonist potency and selectivity of ICS 205-930 ([3 alpha-tropanyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester) were investigated. In NG, 5-HT (5 to 80 nmol) evoked depolarizations of graded amplitude. The ED50 was 18.2 (10.9-30.5) nmol (geometric mean, 95% confidence limits). Responses were blocked surmountably by ICS 205-930, 10(-11) and 10(-10) M, the threshold for blockade being below 10(-11) M. Parallel, rightward shifts in dose-response curves were seen with these concentrations of antagonist, but at higher concentrations (10(-9) and 10(-8) M) there was a further rightward shift with reduction in slope and maximum of the curves. In SCG, where 5-HT (20 to 320 nmol) evoked depolarizations of graded amplitude and the ED50 was 55.8 (22.3-139.6) nmol (geometric mean, 95% confidence limits), ICS 205-930 had a similar inhibitory effect to that observed in NG. The apparent pA2 values for the surmountable blockade produced by ICS 205-930 at concentrations of 10(-11) and 10(-10) M were 10.2 +/- 0.2 for NG and 10.4 +/- 0.1 for SCG (means +/- s.e. mean). ICS 205-930 was selective in its action since it had no effect on dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) responses in either ganglion or on GABA responses in NG. This study provides quantitative evidence on the blocking action of ICS 205-930 at neuronal 5-HT receptors using a technique that allows the depolarizing responses evoked by the amine to be directly recorded.

A quantitative study of structural features, synapses and nearest-neighbour relationships of small, granule-containing cells in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion at various adult stages

Groups and sub-groups (clusters) of small granule-containing cells ("small cells") were analysed at 3 and 6 micron intervals and in serial sections, in rats aged 2-13 months. Fully intraganglionic clusters of small cells were all found to receive an incoming ("afferent") innervation, of the order of 3-6 afferent terminals per cell, derived from axons of preganglionic type via multifocal, symmetrical, mainly axosomatic synapses. No evidence was obtained of sharing of preganglionic inputs between small cells and principal neurones. Intraganglionic clusters also regularly gave outgoing ("efferent") synapses of the asymmetrical type, of the order of 2-6 per cell, to intraganglionic nerve elements; 30-50% of these synapses were given from somata, 50-70% from processes of the small cells. Whenever the postsynaptic structure was identifiable these synapses were all found to be given to postganglionic neurones or their dendrites, principally to spine-like processes or slender twigs. In some ganglia a few efferent synapses to other small cells were observed; these were of the symmetrical type. Efferent synapses to nerve profiles resembling chemosensory axon terminals, also of the symmetrical type, were extremely infrequent (fewer than 1% of all efferent synapses) in intraganglionic small cell groups and appeared virtually restricted to glomus-like clusters of small cell, which lay intracapsularly, or in and near the bases of nerves entering or leaving the ganglion. Almost all groups and clusters of small cells were located near to fenestrated capillary vessels, which are not found elsewhere in the ganglion. The implications of possible non-synaptic release of material from small cells via membrane regions not covered by satellite cell cytoplasm, were explored in a nearest-neighbour analysis. These "exposed" regions comprised 1-3% of the small cell surface, a proportion comparable with those engaged in receiving afferent synapses or in giving efferent synapses. The majority of such regions faced toward other nerve profiles (axons and dendrites) ensheathed in satellite cytoplasm (mean 30%), intraganglionic tissue spaces wider than 3 micron (mean, 30%) or other small cells (mean, 14%); 25% faced toward blood vessels, but of these vascularly directed regions, only one fifth (or 5% of the total) on average faced directly toward fenestrated endothelium, the rest being non-fenestrated and/or separated by pericyte processes from the exposed regions of small cell membrane. Thirty-three percent of the small cells in a sample of 242 lay within 2 micron of the nearest blood vessel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The depolarizing action of 5-hydroxytryptamine on rabbit vagal primary afferent and sympathetic neurones and its selective blockade by MDL 72222

MDL 72222 (1 alpha H,3 alpha,5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate) is a novel compound with potent and selective blocking actions at certain excitatory 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors on mammalian peripheral neurones. In the present study, the sucrose-gap technique has been used to record depolarizing responses to 5-HT from the cells of the rabbit nodose and superior cervical ganglia and to investigate the potency and selectivity of MDL 72222 as an antagonist of these responses. On nodose ganglia, responses to 5-HT were inhibited surmountably by MDL 72222 at concentrations up to 100 nmol/l. The threshold for antagonism was 2-10 nmol/l and the apparent pA2 value (Schild 1947) was 7.7 +/- 0.2, n = 10. Blockade was selective since responses to GABA and noradrenaline were unaffected by MDL 72222, 100 nmol/l. With concentrations of MDL 72222 higher than 100 nmol/l, antagonism was concentration-related but not in a manner consistent with simple competitive antagonism and even a concentration of 1 mumol/l failed to abolish the response to 5-HT. The results from the superior cervical ganglion were essentially similar to those obtained from the nodose ganglion. The threshold concentration of MDL 72222 for inhibition of 5-HT was 1-10 nmol/l and blockade was selective in that depolarizing responses to dimethylphenyl-piperazinium (DMPP) was unaffected by a concentration of MDL 72222 of 1 mumol/l. The data provide direct evidence that MDL 72222 is a potent and selective antagonist of the receptors for 5-HT which mediate depolarizing responses in vagal primary afferent cell bodies and in sympathetic ganglion cells.

5-HT antagonists and blockade of neuronal (5-HT) receptors on ganglion cells

Potential changes in superior cervical ganglion cells evoked by 5-HT or the nicotinic agonist, dimethyl-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP), were recorded using the sucrose-gap method and a number of putative 5-HT antagonists tested for potency and selectivity. Selective blockade of 5-HT responses was produced by 5-HT itself and, in increasing order of potency, by cocaine, metoclopramide and quipazine. A non-selective blockade was observed with bufotenine and d-tubocurarine. Substances which had no effect on 5-HT responses included methysergide and other compounds related to LSD, cinanserin, cyproheptadine, phenylbiguanide and morphine. The results provide further information about the 5-HT receptor on sympathetic ganglion cells and support the view that this receptor is distinct from neuronal receptors in the myenteric plexus and on cholinergic nerve terminals.

Effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) on amphibian neuromuscular junction

A study of the effects of serotonin transmission was carried out on the frog neuromuscular junction by means of microelectrode methods. Serotonin was employed in concentrations of 5-100 microM. Serotonin did not affect membrane characteristics or the resting potential whether at non-neuronal (muscular fiber) or endplate segments of the junction. While serotonin did not affect the frequency of the miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs), it significantly decreased evoked release of acetylcholine. Serotonin significantly decreased, in a dose-dependent fashion, the amplitude of acetylcholine potentials, endplate currents (EPCs), endplate potentials (EPPs) and MEPPs. Also, serotonin shortened significantly the EPC time course and half-decay time, and caused loss of membrane voltage sensitivity of the half-decay time. While it did not affect the null potential, serotonin changed the voltage-EPC relationship from linear to non-linear, and markedly attenuated the dependence of EPC amplitude on membrane potential. These results demonstrate that serotonin induces depressant effects at both pre- and post-synaptic sites of amphibian neuromuscular junction and that its post-synaptic action is directed at the receptor-channel macromolecule rather than at either the channel or the receptor alone.

Autoreceptor-mediated inhibition of 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine release from rat brain cortex slices by analogues of 5-hydroxytryptamine

Rat brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine (3H-5-HT) were superfused with physiological salt solution containing paroxetine, an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake. The effects of various indolethylamines on the electrically evoked tritium overflow (containing 66.3% unmetabolized 3H-5-HT) were investigated (the percentage of unmetabolized 3H-5-HT was not altered by the indolethylamines or metitepin). 6,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (6,7-DHT) did not affect the stimulation-evoked tritium overflow, whereas the latter was inhibited by the other tryptamine derivatives investigated; when the compounds were compared to each other on the basis of their inhibitory potencies the following rank order was obtained: unlabelled 5-HT greater than 5-methoxytryptamine greater than 4-HT greater than 6-HT greater than 5,6-DHT greater than tryptamine greater than 7-HT greater than 5,7-DHT. The inhibitory effects of these compounds were antagonized by metitepin. It is concluded that the indolethylamines inhibit the stimulation-evoked 3H-5-HT release by activating the presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors on the 5-HT neurones of the rat brain cortex. Similarities may exist between these receptors and the postsynaptic 5-HT1 binding sites of this brain area.

Depolarizing responses recorded from nodose ganglion cells of the rabbit evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine and other substances

Membrane potential changes induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP) were recorded from nodose ganglia (NG) by the sucrose-gap method. An amount of 0.002-0.5 mumol of the depolarizing agent was injected into the superfusion stream to the ganglion. Responses to 5-HT were also evoked from superior cervical (SCG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). 5-Hydroxytryptamine elicited depolarizations of graded amplitude. Maximal responses were 4.5 +/- 0.4 mV in nodose ganglia compared to 2.2 +/- 0.2 mV in superior cervical and 0.6 +/- 0.1 mV in dorsal root ganglia (means +/- SEM). In nodose ganglia, GABA induced smaller maximal depolarizations than did 5-HT, similar to those evoked by DMPP; dopamine was a weak depolarizing agent while substance P was apparently inactive. The dose-response curve for 5-HT in nodose ganglia was parallel to that for 5-HT in superior cervical ganglia and significantly to the left (ED50 values 0.029 and 0.098 mumol). Curves for 5-HT and GABA in nodose ganglia were superimposable. The high sensitivity of nodose ganglia cells to 5-HT is briefly discussed. Analogues of 5-HT lacking a hydroxyl group at position 5 on the nucleus were relatively inactive as depolarizing agents. Picrotoxin (10(-6)-10(-5) M) reduced or suppressed responses in nodose ganglia to GABA, whereas responses to 5-HT and DMPP were not much affected or, in the case of 5-HT, sometimes somewhat reduced. Quipazine (10(-6) M) was a selective antagonist of 5-HT responses in nodose ganglia; those to GABA and DMPP were not significantly altered. Neither trazodone nor LSD displayed antagonist properties at 5-HT receptors in nodose ganglia.

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors of visceral primary afferent neurones on rabbit nodose ganglia

1. The electrophysiological characteristics of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors distributed on visceral primary afferent neurones (the nodose ganglion cells of the vagus) in rabbits were investigated with intracellular recording and voltage-clamp techniques.2. In response to 5-HT applied by superfusion (>/= 10 mum) or by ionophoresis (>/= 5 nA, 50 msec), the majority of type C neurones (mean axonal conduction velocity: 0.83+/-0.25 m/sec) showed a rapid depolarization of 20-30 mV in amplitude which was followed by a hyperpolarization of a few millivolts. Both the initial depolarization and afterhyperpolarization were associated with a reduction in membrane resistance.3. Type A neurones (mean axonal conduction velocity: 7.7+/-0.4 m/sec) did not show any significant alterations in membrane potential and resistance during or after application of 5-HT.4. The initial depolarization induced by 5-HT was abolished by Na(+)-free Krebs solution and showed a reduction of a few millivolts in K(+)-free or Ca(2+)-free Krebs solution. The response in normal Krebs solution was reversed at a membrane potential level of +7.3+/-1.1 mV.5. The afterhyperpolarization disappeared in Na(+)-free or Ca(2+)-free Krebs solution, while it was markedly enhanced in K(+)-free Krebs solution. The response in normal Krebs solution reversed at a membrane potential of -88.7+/-0.8 mV, and was abolished at membrane potentials more positive than -20 mV.6. Unlike 5-HT voltage responses, which were biphasic in the majority of neurones examined, 5-HT induced currents were usually monophasic when recorded at holding membrane levels ranging from -80 to +50 mV. The reversal potential of the inward current was +7.5+/-0.8 mV which was in good agreement with the reversal level for 5-HT-induced depolarizations. The reversal potentials for inward currents which were obtained at various concentrations of Na(+) or K(+) corresponded to the theoretical values calculated by the equivalent circuit equation.7. These results suggest that the initial depolarization induced by 5-HT is due mainly to simultaneous increases in Na(+) and K(+) conductances, while the afterhyperpolarization is brought about by an increase of K(+) conductance which is triggered by a voltage-dependent influx of Na(+) and Ca(2+).8. The mean value for the ;limiting slope' of conductance change vs. 5-HT concentration and the slope of 5-HT current vs. 5-HT concentration obtained by superfusion of 5-HT, were in good agreement, 1.84+/-0.26 and 1.88+/-0.31, respectively. On the other hand, the mean Hill coefficient obtained from the dose-response curves for the inward current induced by ionophoresis was 2.51+/-0.14.9. Tetrodotoxin (0.2 mum) blocked the soma action potential completely, but did not show any effect on 5-HT-induced responses.10. (+)-Lysergic acid diethylamide and methysergide (1-100 mum) had no depressant effect on the 5-HT-induced depolarization.11. (+)-Tubocurarine at low concentrations (1-5 mum) inhibited the 5-HT induced inward current competitively. The mode of its inhibitory action became noncompetitive at higher concentrations (10-20 mum).

Chemoreceptors for serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh), bradykinin (BK), histamine (H) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on rabbit visceral afferent neurons

The somata of type 'C' neurons in rabbit nodose ganglion are endowed with receptor sites for 5-HT, BK, ACh, II and GABA. 5-HT and ACh application to type 'C' neurons in the nodose ganglion of rabbits produced a rapid depolarization associated with an increased membrane conductance, most likely to Na+ and K+. BK and H elicited slow depolarizations accompanied by a decreased membrane conductance probably to K+. GABA induced a rapid depolarization associated with an increased conductance to Cl-. In contrast, type 'A' neurons were insensitive to the four algesic agents but responded to GABA. d-Tubocurarine or picrotoxin at relatively low concentrations blocked ACh, 5-HT and GABA depolarizations without affecting membrane properties. Hexamethonium blocked ACh responses but not 5-HT responses. In addition, no desensitization occurred between the substances 5-HT, ACh or BK. The results suggest that the depolarizing effect of these agents on visceral neurons might be exerted via different receptors.

Effect of iontophoretically applied 5-hydroxytryptamine on the excitability of single primary afferent C- and A-fibers in the cat spinal cord

Excitability testing of single sural afferent C- and A-fibers was employed to study possible presynaptic effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) applied iontophoretically at the intraspinal point of lowest threshold for their antidromic activation in anesthetized or decerebrate spinalized cats. Threshold for single fibers recorded in the sural nerve was measured prior to and during iontophoretic application of 5-HT through a micropipette positioned in close proximity to the intraspinal stimulating electrode. 5-HT produced dose-related increases in threshold for antidromic activation in 21 or 30 C-fibers. Six of 9 A delta, and 4 of 7 A beta-fibers were similarly affected.

Effects of divalent cations on responses of a sympathetic ganglion to 5-hydroxytryptamine and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium

1 The effects of raising or lowering [Ca(2+)](o) or [Mg(2+)](o) on potential changes evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and by the nicotinic agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP) have been investigated.2 Changes in membrane potential were measured at the ganglion or in postganglionic axons by the sucrose-gap technique. The ganglionic response to both 5-HT and DMPP was a depolarization followed by an after-hyperpolarization (AH). AH decayed exponentially over most of its time course; the time constant of decay for 5-HT responses was 4.4 +/- 0.3 min (mean +/- s.e.mean, rate constant 0.23 min(-1)) and that for DMPP responses was not significantly different, being 3.9 +/- 0.3 min (rate constant 0.26 min(-1)).3 Increasing [Ca(2+)](o) to 5.1 or 7.6 mM caused some hyperpolarization of the ganglion, reduced the amplitude of depolarizations evoked by 5-HT by 29% and usually potentiated responses to DMPP (average 12%). Ca-free solutions caused a depolarization of the ganglion, increased the amplitude of depolarizations evoked by 5-HT by 23% and reduced that of depolarizations to DMPP by 32%. [Mg(2+)](o) 12.7 and 25.4 mM caused depolarizations of the ganglion and reduced the amplitude of depolarizations evoked by 5-HT by 34 and 84%, respectively, and those to DMPP by 10 and 75%, respectively. Mg-free solutions or low [Mg(2+)](o) caused a slow depolarization of the ganglion and reduced the amplitude of depolarizations to both 5-HT and DMPP by approx. 20%. Ca/Mg-free solutions produced a slow depolarization of the ganglion, increased the amplitude of depolarizations evoked by 5-HT by 78% and reduced those to DMPP by 58%.4 Increasing [Ca(2+)](o) reduced the amplitude of AH evoked by 5-HT by 50% and increased that to DMPP by 73%, while prolonging AH duration and increasing the time constant of decay. Ca-free solutions had complex effects on AH evoked by 5-HT, which were increased on average by 116%, and depressed AH evoked by DMPP; in both cases there was a decrease in the time constant of decay. [Mg(2+)](o) 12.7 mM reduced the amplitude of AH evoked by 5-HT more than that evoked by DMPP, and increased the rate of decline of the exponential phase. Low Mg solutions reduced in amplitude the AH evoked by 5-HT by 56% and the AH evoked by DMPP by 38%. The time constant of decay was increased. Ca/Mg-free solutions reduced AH amplitude in both 5-HT and DMPP responses. The effects on time constant are consistent with the generation of AH by an electrogenic sodium pump, the ATP-ase of which is Mg(2+)-dependent and inhibited by Ca(2+).5 Responses to 5-HT could be recorded from postganglionic axons and consisted of a rapid depolarization, sometimes followed by an AH whose time constant of decay was smaller than that of ganglionic responses. Full dose-response curves in control and test media could be obtained. In Ca/Mg-free solutions, 5-HT depolarizations were potentiated but no significant shift in the curve was observed.6 It is suggested that divalent cations modulate the coupling between 5-HT receptor and ion channel, an increase in [Ca(2+)](o) reducing the coupling or stabilizing the ion channel in the closed conformation. Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) may compete for the same binding site. This mechanism does not appear to be involved at nicotinic receptors and their related ion channels.

Relative activities of substances related to 5-hydroxytryptamine as depolarizing agents of superior cervical ganglion cells

Membrane potential changes evoked by 5-Ht and related substances were recorded by the sucrose-gap method from rabbit ganglia superfused with Krebs solution at 20 degrees C. A solution of the substance under test was injected into the superfusion stream. The activity of 23 substances was compared to that of 5-HT in respect of depolarizing capacity. 0.01 mumol 5-HT produced a near-threshold depolarization, while 0.6-0.8 mumol induced a maximal one. Some 5-HT analogues evoked prolonged responses distinctly different from the rapid depolarization and repolarization characteristic of 6-HT, while others were inactive. Compounds di- or trimethylated at the side-chain nitrogen atom were capable in addition of activating nicotinic receptors. The results suggest that: (1) the optimal requirements for activating ganglionic 5-HT receptors are a hydroxyl group at position 5 on the indole nucleus and a side-chain bearing an ethylamine amino group; (2) methyl substituents around the terminal nitrogen atom are well tolerated and a quaternary nitrogen may increase activity at the 5-HT receptor; and (3) substitution of a methyl group at carbon atom 2 of the indole nucleus reduces activity. A limitation of the technique is the difficulty of obtaining more than one dose-response curve from a particular preparation; a reduction in potency due to lower affinity cannot be readily distinguished from one due to lower intrinsic activity.

Antagonism of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors by quipazine

1 The antagonist actions of quipazine on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors have been investigated in the rabbit isolated superior cervical ganglion and on the rat isolated spinal cord and stomach strip. 2 Changes in membrane potential induced by 5-HT or by the nicotinic agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium (DMPP), were measured in the ganglion by the sucrose-gap technique. At ganglionic receptors, quipazine had little or no agonist activity, but greatly depressed depolarizations evoked by 5-HT but not depolarizations evoked by DMPP or trimethylammonium (TMA). Injections into the superfusion stream to the ganglion of 2 to 5 mumol quipazine in a small volume of Krebs solution prevented all subsequent responses to 5-HT. Superfusion of the ganglion with quipazine at a concentration of 1 microM produced complete blockade of responses to 5-HT in 3 of 6 ganglia and reduced responses by over 90% in 2 others; responses to DMPP were potentiated in amplitude and duration. Superfusion at a concentration of 0.1 microM depressed responses to 5-HT by 75% on average. The threshold concentration for the blocking action was around 0.01 microM, which depressed responses by 42% on average in 6 experiments (range 0 to 75%). 3 5-HT (1 microM or 100 microM) depressed the amplitude of the dorsal root potentials recorded from the isolated, hemisected cord of the neonate rat by 27 +/- 5% (mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 14) and by 45 +/- 6% (n = 14), respectively. In the presence of quipazine (0.01 microM), 5-HT (1 microM or 100 microM) depressed the amplitude by 6 +/- 2% (n = 15) and by 3 +/- 1% (n = 7), respectively. 4 Concentration-response curves of the contractions induced by 5-HT in the fundus of the rat stomach were obtained in the absence and presence of quipazine. Quipazine (1 microM) shifted the concentration-response curve to the right and depressed the maximum, suggesting a non-competitive mode of antagonism. pI50 values were calculated in order to assess the antagonist activity of quipazine at rat fundus 5-HT receptors; the mean pI50 was 6.91 +/- 0.2 (n = 6). 5 It is concluded that quipazine may be an effective antagonist at 5-HT receptors in various tissues.

The depolarizing action of 5-HT on mammalian non-myelinated nerve fibres

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on nerve fibres in the rabbit cervical vagus and on the sciatic nerve "in vitro" were studied by the single sucrose-gap technique. The addition of 5-HT to the Locke solution bathing the vagus nerve induced rapid depolarization and a fall in spike height at the threshold concentration of 1 X 10(-7) M. In most cases the depolarizing effect was completely reversed by washing 5--10 min while in about 40% of the preparations the action potential amplitude remained 10--30% below the control level. These effects were dose-related up to a maximum concentration of 3 X 10(-5) M. Tachyphylaxis was not observed when the drug was added at 12--15 min intervals. Depolarization was abolished by perfusing the nerve with sodium-free medium or by previous exposure to lidocaine (10(-3) M). External hyperpolarizing currents (10(-7) to 10(-6) A) were not able to restore the action potential amplitude. Cyproheptadine (50 micron), which was found to have a slight local anesthetic action, reduced the 5-HT-induced depolarization by 20--30%. Methysergide (50 micron), a more specific 5-HT antagonist, did not affect the action of 5-HT. 5-HT was inactive when applied to the myelinated fibres of the sciatic nerve. Our results indicate that 5-HT-induced depolarization appears to be related to an increase in the resting sodium permeability of nerve fibres.