title: Inhibitory effect of ritanserin on the 5-hydroxytryptophan-mediated cortisol, ACTH and prolactin secretion in humans.
abstract: Oral administration of the serotonin (5-HT) precursor L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 200 mg, significantly increased plasma cortisol levels in man. L-5-HTP had no significant effect on the plasma prolactin levels. A borderline effect of 5-HTP on plasma ACTH levels was found. Pretreatment with the 5-HT2/5-HT1c antagonist ritanserin (5 mg, PO, b.i.d. for 2 days) significantly inhibited 5-HTP-induced cortisol secretion. Ritanserin had no effect on the basal plasma cortisol or prolactin levels. These data are suggestive that 5-HTP stimulates cortisol secretion in man via 5-HT2/5-HT1c receptor mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Meltzer
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D016713:Ritanserin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D010880:Piperidines; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D016713:Ritanserin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan; D006854:Hydrocortisone