Effects of methysergide and 5-hydroxytryptamine on carotid blood flow distribution in pigs: further evidence for the presence of atypical 5-HT receptors.

The effects of acute (50-350 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) and subacute (350 micrograms kg-1 orally per day for six days) administration of methysergide, and of intra-arterial infusions of 0.5 and 2.0 micrograms kg-1 min-1 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the distribution of carotid blood flow into the capillary (nutrient) and arterio-venous anastomotic (AVA) fractions were studied in anaesthetized pigs. The acute, but not the subacute, administration of methysergide caused a moderate reduction of carotid blood flow. This reduction, noticed only in the AVA fraction, was due to a constriction of the arterio-venous anastomoses (AVAs). Both doses of 5-HT reduced total carotid blood flow but its nutrient fraction--particularly that distributed to the skin and ears--increased substantially. The AVA fraction was greatly diminished. After treatment with methysergide, 5-HT no longer reduced the total carotid blood flow, but increased it. Despite this reversal the constriction of AVAs by the amine was only slightly diminished. On the other hand, the vasodilatation of the nutrient channels was enhanced. The results of the interaction between methysergide and 5-HT provide further evidence for the presence of 'atypical' 5-HT receptors (probably corresponding to 5-HT1 binding sites) mediating AVA contraction and nutrient vasodilatation. The 5-HT2 receptors mediate vasoconstriction and are located in the large conducting arteries and possibly, in smaller numbers, in the AVAs and arterioles.