title: Is desensitization of intestinal 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors an in-vitro phenomenon?
abstract: The responses of proximal jejunum and distal ileum to successive applications of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were examined in-vitro and in-vivo by measuring the electrical changes that reflect the stimulation of Cl- secretion. In stripped intestinal sheets the second application of a maximal concentration of 5-HT failed to elicit any response, indicating that complete desensitization had occurred. If submaximal concentrations were used, a second response was observed, although it was smaller than the first, indicating partial desensitization. Replacing the bathing solutions following application of a maximal 5-HT concentration also reduced, but did not abolish, the degree of desensitization observed with a second application of 5-HT. In an in-vivo preparation, however, there was no diminution of the responses to four successive maximal doses of 5-HT. This lack of desensitization was also evident in the cardiovascular responses to 5-HT. It is concluded that desensitization to 5-HT is a phenomenon that is readily observed only in-vitro and which is probably related to the inability of a small amount of isolated tissue to eliminate 5-HT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science, Sheffield University, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hardcastle
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Hardcastle
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Carstairs
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Franks
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D007082:Ileum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007583:Jejunum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin