title: Methysergide, a serotonin antagonist, does not inhibit the expression of autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the rabbit.
abstract: In view of recent interest in the potential role of vasoactive amines in the expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and neuritis (EAN), we set out to determine the effect of slow-release methysergide, a serotonin antagonist, on the effector phase of EAE/EAN in rabbits immunized with homologous spinal cord in Freund's adjuvant. On day 6 post-immunization (p.i.), slow-release pellets of methysergide maleate were implanted subcutaneously in graded doses 0-400 mg. At the highest dose, blood concentrations of methysergide were approximately 90 ng/ml on day 8 p.i. falling to 20 ng/ml by day 16 p.i. However, even at the highest dose of methysergide, rabbits developed typical clinical and histological signs of EAE/EAN. It is concluded that serotonergic mechanisms do not play a critical role in the effector phase of EAE/EAN in the rabbit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77225.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Buzbee
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Linthicum
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004679:Encephalomyelitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D008784:Methysergide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009443:Neuritis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011817:Rabbits; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D008784:Methysergide