Dual Roles of 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Isolated Rat Hearts

Abstract

Present results suggest dual roles of 5-HT in ischemia-reperfusion injury. During ischemia, 5HT is released endogenously, constricts coronary smooth muscles via 5-HT(2A) receptors, and aggravates cardiac function. In contrast, 5-HT applied exogenously affects predominantly non-5HT(2A) receptors on the endothelium and induces coronary vasodilatation via endothelial NO production, which is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury.