The influence of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) on blood flow in the dog pulp.

The effect of intra-arterial injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on pulpal blood flow of the dog was determined using the 15-micron radioisotope-labeled microsphere injection method. Pulpal blood flow was significantly reduced following the 5-HT injection. This decrease in blood flow appeared to be due to vasoconstriction as determined by an increase in pulpal vascular hindrance. However, our findings do not preclude the possibility that blood flow was reduced as a result of passive compression of venules produced by vasodilation in a low-compliance environment.