Effects of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, Ritanserin on hyperthermia and depletion of 5-HT in frontal cortex induced by a 5-HT releasing drug, p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) in mice

Abstract

Effects of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ritanserin on hyperthermia and depletion of 5-HT induced by the 5-HT-releasing drug, p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) were investigated. Ritanserin significantly suppressed PCA-induced hyperthermia in mice. PCA elicited decreases in 5-HT levels in the mouse frontal cortex. 5-HT reduction elicited by PCA was also attenuated by pretreatment with ritanserin. Since hyperthermia facilitates neurotoxicity induced by amphetamine analogue, ritanserin may inhibit PCA-induced 5-HT neurotoxicity by inhibiting hyperthermia.