Increased release of serotonin from rat ileum due to dexfenfluramine.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol
; 287(5): R1209-13, 2004 Nov.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15242826
ABSTRACT
Plasma levels of serotonin are elevated in primary pulmonary hypertension even after bilateral lung transplantation, suggesting a possible etiologic role. Serotonin is released primarily from the small intestine. Anorectic agents, such as dexfenfluramine, which can cause pulmonary hypertension, are known to inhibit potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. We examined the hypothesis that dexfenfluramine may stimulate release of serotonin from the ileum by inhibition of K+ channels. In an isolated loop of rat ileum perfused with a physiological salt solution, the administration of dexfenfluramine, its major metabolite D-norfenfluramine, the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (5 mM), and caffeine (30 mM) increased serotonin levels in the venous effluent. Potassium chloride (60 mM) tended to increase serotonin levels. In genetically susceptible individuals, dexfenfluramine may induce pulmonary hypertension by increasing cytosolic calcium in enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine, thus releasing serotonin and causing vasoconstriction. This work indicates that dexfenfluramine and its major metabolite d-norfenfluramine can increase serotonin release from the small intestine.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Serotonin
/
Serotonin Receptor Agonists
/
Dexfenfluramine
/
Ileum
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol
Journal subject:
FISIOLOGIA
Year:
2004
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States
Publication country:
EEUU
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA
/
EUA
/
UNITED STATES
/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
/
US
/
USA