Antagonism by methysergide of neurogenic vasoconstriction in the dog forelimb

In the flow-regulated dog forelimb, electrical stimulation of the efferent median nerve produced frequency-dependent increases in perfusion pressure. These vasoconstrictor effects were attenuated by a large dose of phentolamine, an alpha 1 and alpha 2 blocking drug. Administration of methysergide after phentolamine completely reversed the vasoconstrictor responses to vasodilation at most frequencies of stimulation. In the absence of phentolamine pretreatment, even a lower dose of methysergide reversed or caused biphasic responses (attenuated constriction followed by dilatation) during the nerve stimulation at the lower frequencies (0.5-4.0 Hz). This lower dose of methysergide completely abolished vascular effects of exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and potentiated those of norepinephrine; hence, the antagonism by methysergide of neurally mediated vasoconstriction is not caused by an action on alpha-adrenergic receptors. Unlike methysergide, selective 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin and ritanserin have no modifying effect on exogenous 5-HT responses. These studies have provided pharmacological evidence that suggests that 5-HT may be the neurotransmitter mediating neurogenic vasoconstriction in the dog forelimb, and that this effect does not involve activation of 5-HT2 receptors.