Dose related effects of buspirone on serum electrolyte balance, plasma osmolality and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats.

Buspirone is a potent anxiolytic that decreases serotonin transmission. Changes in electrolyte balance, plasma osmolality and systolic blood pressure are often associated with stress-induced anxiety in rats as well as in human but effects of buspirone on changes in serum electrolytes balance, plasma osmolality and SBP of rats has not been reported. Present study concerns the effects of different doses of buspirone (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) on serum electrolyte, plasma osmolality and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of rats. Anxiolysis related variable are also monitored. Results show that the administration of buspirone (0.25 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) significantly increased the serum concentration of electrolytes and plasma osmolality but decreased the serum level of magnesium. These doses also reduced the systolic blood pressure (SBP). A dose of 1 mg/kg buspirone produced no effect on the concentration of serum electrolytes, and plasma osmolality. Anxiolytic effects of the drug were dose dependent but 1 mg/kg dose decreased the effect. The results are discussed in the context of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) to be involved in buspirone-induced changes of electrolytes, SBP and plasma osmolality.