On the mechanism of 5-hydroxytryptamine release by thymoleptics

Abstract

Rabbits were treated with nialamide followed by chlorimipramine, imipramine, desipramine or amitriptyline. Cortical brain slices were prepared and incubated with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-ht) into the incubation medium was measured. Chlorimipramine, imipramine and amitriptyline caused release of 5-ht, whereas desipramine was without effect. The ability of cortical brain slices to retain 5-ht was dependent on energy supply, involving both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. The data support the view that the antidepressant drugs block the membrane pump of 5-ht neurons. The observations also indicate that 5-ht is involved in thermoregulation.