The St 587-induced flexor reflex in pithed rats: a model to evaluate central alpha 1-receptor blocking properties

A combination of reserpine, nialamide and the specific alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist St 587 [2-(2-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenylimino)-imidazolidine] induced a marked increase of the electrically stimulated flexor reflex in pithed rats. This increased reflex - which lasted for more than 3 h - could be inhibited by the alpha 1-receptor antagonist prazosin but not by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (RX 781094). A range of different drugs was tested, including 17 neuroleptics. Most of the neuroleptics showed marked inhibition of the St 587-induced reflex. Bromperidol, butaclamol and fluperlapine were weak inhibitors while pimozide was without effect. The results showed close correlation to alpha 1-receptor affinities in vitro (r = 0.84, P less than 0.001) while no correlation was found to either D-2 receptor affinities or to 5-HT2 receptor affinities in vitro (r = 0.43, P less than 0.2 and r = 0.41, P less than 0.05, respectively). It is concluded that inhibition of the St 587-induced flexor reflex in pithed rats is an in vivo test model for central alpha 1-receptor blocking properties.