title: The effect of serotonin precursors on alpha- and gamma-motoneuron activity.
abstract: The effects of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) precursors, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and tryptophan on alpha- and gamma-motoneuron discharges were examined in the spinal cat with a deafferented cord. The injection of 75 mg/kg of dl-5-HTP resulted in a doubling of the spontaneous discharge rate of gamma-motoneurons and the induction of spontaneous alpha-motoneuron activity. These effects of 5-HTP were reversed by the 5-HT antagonists, cinanserin (4 mg/kg) and methysergide (2 mg/kg). Tryptophan alone (100 mg/kg) exhibited minimal effects of motoneuron activity, but in animals pretreated with pargyline it significantly excited alpha- and gamma-motoneurons. Recordings of alpha- and gamma-motoneuron activity in gastrocnemius and semitendinosus nerves revealed that 5-HTP increased alpha- and gamma-motoneuron activity in both flexor and extensor nerves. Reversal of the effects of 5-HTP by 5-HT antagonists suggests that these effects were mediated by 5-HT. The fact that the 5-HTP effects were observed in preparations with an open gamma-loop indicates that the effects on the alpha-motoneurons are not mediated via the gamma-motoneuron facilitation, but results from a central activation.
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D009047:Motor Neurons, Gamma / Q000187:drug effects; D010293:Pargyline / Q000494:pharmacology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D010293:Pargyline; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan