Effects of a new serotonin antagonist, ketanserin, in experimental and clinical hypertension.

Ketanserin is an agent whose main pharmacologic action is antagonism of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) receptors of the 5HT2 subtype. It also has weak alpha 1-adrenergic blocking properties, which may contribute to the acute blood pressure lowering effects seen in animal models of hypertension. During chronic treatment of hypertension in animals, the 5HT2 antagonistic properties, or a combination of 5HT2 and alpha 1-antagonistic effects, seems to be responsible for ketanserin's hypotensive action. Studies of patients with hypertension have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of ketanserin in monotherapy and combination therapy. In humans, the drug has a terminal half-life of 12-25 hours, and a twice daily dosage will lower blood pressure over the day. Ketanserin is a vasodilator that acts on both resistance and capacitance vessels. Chronic treatment with the drug causes minimal reflex changes in cardiovascular function, as well as sustained blood pressure reduction comparable with the effects of beta-adrenergic blockers or diuretics. In elderly patients, the therapeutic effects of ketanserin appear to be greater, and side effects are less frequent compared with beta-blockers and diuretics. In addition to its antihypertensive action, ketanserin also produces other effects that may be important in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. Some studies have shown a reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and a rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Ketanserin also reduces ex vivo platelet aggregation and inhibits the serotonin-induced platelet release reaction. Worldwide experience with ketanserin in the treatment of hypertension indicates that it is a safe and effective agent for long-term therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)