Characterisation of inhibitory 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors that modulate dopamine release in the striatum.

The effect of a series of indoleamines on the potassium-evoked tritium release of previously accumulated [3H]dopamine from rat striatal slices has been investigated. The indoleamines 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methoxy-N,N'-dimethyltryptamine and tryptamine (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) all reduced potassium-evoked release of tritium, to a maximum of 50%. The uptake of [3H]dopamine was unaffected by these compounds. A series of 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists were examined for their ability to reduce the inhibition of potassium-evoked tritium release induced by 5-methoxytryptamine. The relative order of antagonist potency obtained was methysergide greater than metergoline greater than methiothepin greater than cinanserin greater than cyproheptadine greater than mianserin, and was consistent with an action on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. It is concluded that there are inhibitory 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors located on the terminals of dopaminergic neurones in the striatum.