Alpha-adrenoceptors involved on the cardiovascular response induced by mianserin in the pithed rat

1. The effects of the antidepressant drug mianserin on the cardiovascular responses induced by preganglionic electrical stimulation, and i.v. infusion of the adrenergic agonists noradrenaline (NA, alpha 1 and alpha 2), phenylephrine (alpha 1) and xylazine (alpha 2) in the pithed normotensive rat were studied. 2. Mianserin inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the pressor effect caused by electrical stimulation of spinal cord (Th7-Th9) and the infusion of NA, phenylephrine and xylazine. Cocaine increased the inhibitory effect of mianserin on the pressor effect caused by electrical stimulation and NA. 3. Mianserin blocked the xylazine-induced inhibition of cardiac nerve stimulation effect. 4. These results suggest that mianserin blocks the NA uptake, and it is more effective in blocking presynaptic alpha 2- than postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors.