Contribution of central 5-HT2 receptors in the occurrence of locomotor activity and myoclonia in freely moving rats exposed to high pressure.
Helium pressure of more than 20 bar is a well known cause of neuroexcitatory changes, referred to as the high pressure neurological syndrome. In rodents, symptoms include myoclonia and locomotor activity. In the present study, we used the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin and the 5-HT2C receptor agonist m-CPP to investigate the role of central 5-HT2 receptors in the occurrence of these symptoms. Results suggest that 5-HT2A receptors and 5-HT2C receptors would play a crucial role in the development of myoclonia and locomotor activity, respectively. The selectivity of the drugs used, and the central origin of both myoclonia and locomotor activity are discussed.
Kriem
B
B
CNRS-URA 1630, Institute Jean Roche, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Marseille, France.
Rostain
J C
JC
Abraini
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D006371:Helium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008124:Locomotion / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D006371:Helium; D007650:Ketanserin