ABSTRACT
The effects of the 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist, ketanserin, and the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist, SB 206553, on lordosis behavior were investigated in ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (EB) (0.5 or 25 microg) and progesterone (500 microg). Both ketanserin and SB 206553 inhibited lordosis behavior after infusion into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN), but ketanserin was slightly more effective than the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist. Either drug was more effective in rats primed with 0.5 microg EB than in rats hormonally primed with 25 microg EB. These findings support the suggestion that estrogen may enhance functioning of the 5-HT(2) receptor family and thereby protect against the 5-HT(2) receptor antagonists. These data are consistent with prior suggestions that estrogen modulates functioning of 5-HT(2) receptors within the VMN and that 5-HT(2) receptors play a facilitatory role in the modulation of female rat lordosis behavior.
Subject(s)
Estradiol/analogs & derivatives , Estradiol/pharmacology , Indoles/pharmacology , Ketanserin/analogs & derivatives , Ketanserin/pharmacology , Progesterone/pharmacology , Pyridines/pharmacology , Serotonin Antagonists/pharmacology , Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Interactions , Female , Hypothalamus, Middle/anatomy & histology , Hypothalamus, Middle/drug effects , Posture , Rats , Rats, Inbred F344 , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Direct chromosome preparations of neonatal cord blood provides the unique opportunity for rapid chromosome analysis (turnaround time; 6 hr), without the necessity of bone marrow aspiration. Based on 42 samples we confirm the finding of Garnham and Sutherland [1987] for suitability of cord blood for direct chromosome preparation. Procedural modifications are provided for higher yield of cells for chromosome analysis. The procedure may well be of major significance for rapid diagnosis of neonates who suffer from aneusomy.
