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Reduction of Food Intake by Manipulation of Central Serotonin Current Experimental Results

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

S. Garattini ,
T. Mennini  and
R. Samanin
S. Garattini*
Affiliation:
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan
T. Mennini
Affiliation:
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan
R. Samanin
Affiliation:
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan
*
∗Correspondence
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Extract

Serotonergic anorectics are correctly defined only if they enhance 5-HT transmission and have their anorectic effects inhibited by drugs that block 5-HT receptors. Fenfluramine, the prototype indirect 5-HT agonist, and its metabolite, norfenfluramine, act as 5-HT releasers and uptake inhibitors and are both more effective in the dextro form. They lack the stimulant activity and do not cause hyperthermia or stereotypical behaviour as is characteristic of amphetamines. The anorectic effect of those drugs is attenuated by metergoline, a 5-HT receptor antagonist, in animals and man; 5-HT uptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, zimelidine, SL 810385, and sertraline also cause anorexia, but only sertraline antagonism by metergoline has been reported. The effect of serotonergic anorectics on 5-HT release has been poorly investigated. Quipazine and RU-24969 cause anorexia by acting directly on 5-HT post-synaptic receptors. Serotonergic nerve terminals take up [3H]-D-fenfluramine and bind with high affinity in rat brain; uptake, an active process, appears to occur at a different site than binding, which is not affected by ouabain or low temperature. Anorexia is probably induced by interaction with 5-HT1B receptors in the rat; the human equivalent of this receptor is not known, but the 5-HT1D type is a likely candidate.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 155 , Issue S8: SEROTONIN IN BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS , December 1989 , pp. 41 - 51
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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