Effect of 5-HT2-selective agonists on cat platelet aggregation.

The effects of the 5-HT2-selective agonists 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB) and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) on cat platelet aggregation were investigated and compared with those produced by serotonin (5-HT) and a positional isomer of DOB (i.e., isoDOB). Serotonin, DOB, and DOI enhanced the aggregation of platelets induced by a suboptimal concentration of ADP. This effect was completely inhibited by pre-incubation of the platelet suspension with the 5-HT2-selective antagonist ketanserin. IsoDOB, an isomer of DOB with a very low affinity for central 5-HT2 binding sites, was inactive in the platelet aggregation assay. The present results are consistent with the proposed role of 5-HT2 receptors in serotonin-induced platelet aggregation.