Serotonin release is modulated by presynaptic autoreceptors.

The existence of presynaptic autoreceptors controlling the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) from serotonergic nerve endings was investigated utilizing superfused hypothalamic synaptosomes. Extracellular 5HT reduced the high K+-induced release of previously accumulated 3H-5HT. The central 5HT receptor blocker methiothepin counteracted the inhibitory effect of 5HT. Other 5HT antagonists (cyproheptadine, methysergide and mianserin) were inactive and may therefore act preferentially at the postsynaptic receptors.