5-HT receptor-mediated regulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone release in rat spinal cord.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10 microM) increased the veratridine-evoked release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from spinal cord slices. This effect of 5-HT was reduced by pre-exposure of the tissue to 10 microM ketanserin and methysergide, which both have 5-HT2 antagonistic activity. A 5-HT1 agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (10 microM), reduced the release of TRH. These results imply that 5-HT released from the terminals of descending fibers modulates the release of TRH, a cotransmitter contained in 5-HT fibers.