Blocking properties of terguride at the 5-HT receptor subtypes mediating cardiovascular responses in the rat.

In vitro studies have suggested that terguride blocks the contractile and relaxant responses produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) via 5-HT receptors. This study has now investigated terguride's blocking properties on central/peripheral 5-HT receptors in anaesthetized or pithed rats. Male Wistar anaesthetized/pithed rats were cannulated for recording blood pressure and heart rate and for i.

Effects of 2-bromoterguride, a dopamine D receptor partial agonist, on cognitive dysfunction and social aversion in rats.

Rationale: 2-Bromoterguride, a dopamine D receptor partial agonist with antagonist properties at serotonin 5-HT receptors and α-adrenoceptors, meets the prerequisites of a putative atypical antipsychotic drug (APD). We recently showed that 2-bromoterguride is effective in tests of positive symptoms of schizophrenia in rats without inducing extrapyramidal side effects or metabolic changes.

Objective: In continuation of our recent work, we now investigated the effect of 2-bromoterguride on apomorphine and phencyclidine (PCP)-induced disruptions of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response, a measure of sensory gating.

2-Bromoterguride-a potential atypical antipsychotic drug without metabolic effects in rats.

Rationale: Recently, we showed that 2-bromoterguride acted as a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, a serotonin 5-HT2A and α2C-adrenergic receptor antagonist, and exhibited antidopaminergic efficacy in amphetamine-induced locomotion (AIL) in rats without inducing catalepsy.

Objective: To extend our knowledge on the antipsychotic effects of 2-bromoterguride, we used convergent preclinical animal models and tests; i.e.

A chemically defined 2,3-trans procyanidin fraction from willow bark causes redox-sensitive endothelium-dependent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries.

Extracts of the bark of willow species (Salix spp.) are popular herbal remedies to relieve fever and inflammation. The effects are attributed to salicin and structurally related phenolic metabolites, while polyphenols including procyanidins are suggested to contribute to the overall effect of willow bark.

α2-Adrenoceptors are targets for antipsychotic drugs.

Rationale: Almost all antipsychotic drugs (APDs), irrespective of whether they belong to the first-generation (e.g. haloperidol) or second-generation (e.