5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-dependent myoclonus in guinea pigs is induced through brainstem 5-HT-1 receptors

Myoclonic jerking in guinea pigs originates from the brainstem. Indole-containing 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) agonists, but not piperazine-containing 5-HT agonists, induced myoclonus in guinea pigs at pharmacologically relevant doses. Guinea pig brainstem preparations possessed specific binding sites for [ 3H]5-HT but specific [ 3H]spiperone binding was low and inconsistent. 5-HT-1 receptors appear to predominate in this tissue. High affinity [ 3H]5-HT binding was potently displaced by indole-containing 5-HT agonists but only weakly displaced by piperazine-containing 5-HT agonists. The [ 3H]5-HT specific binding site in guinea pig brainstem responsible for the induction of indoleamine-dependent myoclonus has the characteristics of a 5-HT-1 receptor.