The influence of bromocriptine on serotonin neurons.

Abstract

Bromocriptine (CB-154) is regarded as a dopamine agonist, hence is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the paper presented a possibility of the influence of bromocriptine on central serotonin neurons has been studied. It was demonstrated that CB-154, like tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, LSD or fenfluramine in previous experiments, potentiates the flexor reflex of the spinal rat, and this effect of CB-154 is prevented by serotonin antagonists--cryproheptadine and danitracen. CB-154, like fenfluramine used as a comparative serotonergic agent, rises the body temperature in rabbits. The hyperthermic effect of CB-154 is prevented by cyproheptadine, danitracen and mianserin. Haloperidol prevents the hyperthermia caused by a lower dose of CB-154 or on fenfluramine-induced hyperthermia. The results obtained indicate that CB-154, besides a dopaminomimetic action, possesses central serotonin actions as well.