Serotonin release in nucleus of the solitary tract and its modulation by antitussive drugs.
The effects of antitussive drugs on the release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) were investigated in slices prepared from rat nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and depolarized with 30 mM KCl under superfusion conditions. Dihydrocodeine and dextromethorphan, both central acting antitussive drugs, significantly increased the release of [3H]5-HT from slices of the rat NTS. Furthermore, these antitussive drugs significantly increased the rate of turnover of the 5-HT in the brainstem. These results suggest that the effect of central acting antitussive drugs were mediated by increase of 5-HT release in the brainstem, particularly in the NTS.
Kamei
J
J
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan.
Mori
T
T
Igarashi
H
H
Kasuya
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003061:Codeine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010477:Perfusion; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin; D003915:Dextromethorphan; C014481:dihydrocodeine; D011188:Potassium; D003061:Codeine