Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on spinal mono- and polysynaptic reflex pathways in the rat.
Neuropharmacology – July 01, 1992
Source: PubMed
Summary
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) have strikingly different effects on rat spinal reflexes. In a study with rats, 5-MeODMT significantly decreased the monosynaptic reflex by up to 100%, while DOI increased it by as much as 50%. Both substances enhanced polysynaptic reflexes. Ketanserin blocked DOI's effects but only partially inhibited those of 5-MeODMT, highlighting distinct mechanisms. Overall, these findings reveal that the hallucinogens influence motoneuron excitability through shared and unique pathways.
Abstract
The effects of two 5-HT-related hallucinogens on rat spinal mono- and polysynaptic reflex pathways in the rat were investigated. 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT, 1 and 100 micrograms/kg, i.v.), an indolealkylamine agent, produced a dose-dependent decrease in the monosynaptic reflex, whereas 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, 1-100 micrograms/kg), a phenylalkylamine agent, produced a dose-dependent increase in the monosynaptic reflex. Both agents increased the polysynaptic reflex. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonists ketanserin (100 micrograms/kg) and ritanserin (100 micrograms/kg) blocked the effects of DOI on the monosynaptic reflex but only partially blocked the 5-MeODMT-induced effect on the monosynaptic reflex. These antagonists inhibited the change in polysynaptic reflex, induced by DOI but not by 5-MeODMT. Neither propranolol (1 mg/kg) nor 3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72222, 1 mg/kg) antagonized the effect of either agent. 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine and DOI increased the excitability of motoneurons and this effect was inhibited by ketanserin. These results indicate that the two types of hallucinogens possess both common and distinct characteristics, with regard to their action on the spinal reflex: (1) both increase the activity of motoneurons through 5-HT2 receptors but (2) only 5-MeODMT has an inhibitory action on the pathway of the monosynaptic reflex.