Central 5-HT2 antagonists: A preclinical evaluation of a therapeutic potential

A preclinical evaluation is presented of the serotonin 5-HT2 antagonists ritanserin and risperidone. Whereas ritanserin is a relative selective 5-HT2 antagonist, risperidone is a potent 5-HT2 and catecholamine antagonist. The pharmacological differences between both drugs are also observed in the drug discrimination test procedure. Using DOM, d-amphetamine and cocaine. Ritanserin was found active in animal models of anxiety using natural aversive stimuli; and in animal models of depression. Clear differences were observed between ritanserin and the benzodiazepines and between ritanserin and the tricyclic antidepressants. Risperidone was active in animal models of psychosis. Risperidone has, as opposed to classical neuroleptics such as haloperidol, less risks of inducing a dopamine D2 overblockade. Clinically, ritanserin is described as a thymostenic agent. Risperidone is an antipsychotic with therapeutic effects on both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and with a reduced risk of extrapyramidal side-effects.