Does metergoline selectively attenuate 5-HT mediated prolactin release?

Journal article

Administration of the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist metergoline (0.5 mg/kg) to male rats attenuated the prolactin response to the 5-HT releasing agent d-fenfluramine (7.5 mg/kg) but not to the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg). In contrast, in healthy male volunteers, pretreatment with metergoline (4 mg orally) abolished the prolactin response to intravenous haloperidol (5 micrograms/kg). The findings suggest that in humans blockade of a prolactin response by a conventional oral dose of metergoline cannot be taken as evidence of involvement of 5-HT-mediated mechanisms.

Authors: Ellis, P; Gartside, SE; Ware, C; Campling, G; Cowen, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Psychopharmacology
• Volume: 105
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 129-131
• Publication date: 1991-01-01
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02316875
• EISSN: 1432-2072
• ISSN: 0033-3158
• Language: English
• Keywords: Haloperidol; Fenfluramine; Brain Chemistry; Male; Adult; Serotonin Antagonists; Humans; Rats; Prolactin; Metergoline; Serotonin; Adolescent; Animals; Rats, Inbred Strains