Modulation by 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors of the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the guinea-pig small intestine.

The effects of agonists and antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors on the release of endogenous 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells were studied in the vascularly perfused isolated guinea-pig small intestine. The experiments were done in the presence of tetrodotoxin in order to exclude a neuronally mediated influence on 5-HT release. The 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT increased 5-HT release, and this effect was antagonized by 1 nmol/l tropisetron. Nanomolar concentrations of tropisetron, MDL 72,222 and granisetron decreased 5-HT release. Ondansetron (0.1 and 1 mumol/l) did not modify 5-HT release. 5-Methoxytryptamine, BIMU8 and cisapride concentration-dependently inhibited 5…