CENTRAL ANTI-SEROTONIN ACTION OF TRAZODONE

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (1) , 25-33
Abstract
Trazodone [2,[3-4(M-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-propyl-s-triozolo[4,3-a]-pyridin-3(2H)one] an antidepressant drug with an unknown mechanism of action, was examined to demonstrate its central antiserotonin action. Trazodone antagonizes the head twitch response induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan in rats and mice, or by 5-methoxytryptamine in rats (the ED50 values are 9.3, 5.2 and 10.8 mg/kg, respectively). It counteracts convulsions induced by tryptamine in rats (ED50 = = 3.75 mg/kg). Trazodone abolishes hyperthermia induced by serotoninomimetics (LSD, quipazine, fenfluramine) in rabbits. It does not affect ptosis induced by reserpine and diminishes stimulation of the locomotor activity induced by amphetamine. Apparently trazodone has a central antiserotonin action, similar to 3 other antidepressant drugs: mianserin, danitracen and doxepin.