Inhibitory effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia in mice: mediation by 5-HT receptors.

Effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia were investigated in mice. Tryptamine significantly inhibited hypoglycemia elicited by tolbutamide. The inhibitory effects of tryptamine were strongly blocked by the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, while the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 was without effect. Tryptamine induced hyperglucagonemia in tolbutamide-treated mice, and this effect elicited by tryptamine was strongly inhibited by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of tryptamine on tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia are mediated by 5-HT2 receptors and that tryptamine is involved in glucagon release.