Ability of serotonin and norepinephrine to mimic the central effects of reserpine on vasomotor activity.

EM P L O Y I N G electroneurographic technics, Bein and McCubbin and Page have shown that a significant portion of the acute cardiovascular effects of reserpine is mediated centrally. The mechanism involved is not known but, since serotonin has been shown to inhibit central synaptic transmission, Brodie et al. and Shore et al. have suggested that the sedative effect of reserpine might depend upon its ability to cause release of serotonin from its bound form within the brain to a free and active one. Release of norepinephrine from its bound form may also be involved, since Holzbauer and Vogt have shown that reserpine causes its release and Marrazzi and Hart have observed that it blocks cerebral synaptic transmission.