Abstract
Effects of blockade of serotonin (5-HT) receptors on the integrated cardiovascular and endocrine adaptations during head-up tilt were investigated in normal men. In control experiments 50 degrees head-up tilt increased heart rate (HR), total peripheral resistance (TPR), plasma renin activity (PRA) and sympathetic activity (plasma noradrenaline; NA). A moderate increase in pituitary-adrenal hormones (plasma ACTH, beta-END and cortisol) was observed. After a mean tilt time of 30 +/- 5 min (n = 20) presyncopal symptoms associated with decreases in HR, TPR and arterial pressure occurred. At this time pituitary hormones, cortisol, adrenomedullary (plasma adrenaline; A) as well as vagal activity (plasma pancreatic polypeptide) were markedly increased, whereas sympathetic activity (plasma NA) decreased. The 5-HT1+2 receptor antagonist methysergide did not significantly interfere with cardiovascular variables but attenuated the response of NA, prolactin (PRL), beta-endorphin (beta-END) and PRA (P < 0.02). The 5-HT2-receptor antagonist ketanserin reduced the tolerated tilt time (10 +/- 4 vs. 32 +/- 2 min; P < 0.0003, n = 7) but had no significant effects on hormonal variables. The 5-HT3-receptor antagonist ondansetron abolished the adrenomedullary response to hypotension without affecting cardiovascular tolerance or the activity of the pituitary-adrenal axis. The results suggest that serotonergic mechanisms may be involved in the integrated cardiovascular and endocrine responses to central blood volume depletion in humans.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Acta Physiologica Scandinavica |
Volume | 149 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 163-76 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISSN | 0001-6772 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 1993 |
Keywords
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
- Blood Pressure
- Heart Rate
- Hemodynamics
- Hormones
- Humans
- Hydrocortisone
- Ketanserin
- Male
- Methysergide
- Norepinephrine
- Ondansetron
- Posture
- Prolactin
- Reference Values
- Renin
- Serotonin Antagonists
- Vagus Nerve
- Vascular Resistance
- beta-Endorphin