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(Circulation. 1960;21:1134.)
© 1960 American Heart Association, Inc.

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Some Circulatory Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Man

P. HARRIS M.D.¹; H. W. FRITTS JR. M.D.¹; A. COURNAND M.D.¹

¹ From the Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Cardio-Pulmonary Laboratory of the First Medical and Chest Services, Columbia University Division, Bellevue Hospital, New York, N.Y.

Continuous infusions of small quantities of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were made into the pulmonary artery in 7 human subjects. In only 1 instance was there an unequivocal rise in pressure in the pulmonary artery and this was accompanied by a rise in brachial arterial pressure. The most consistent effect of the drug was to raise the heart rate. There was no effect on the cardiac output.

Single rapid injections of 5-HT were made into the right atrium in 3 other subjects. In 1 of these subjects the injection of 4 µg. per Kg. caused transient ventricular arrest and systemic hypotension followed by a sustained rise in pressure in the pulmonary and brachial arteries. The results of this study were thought to indicate the presence of a Bezold-like reflex. The rapid injection of 5-HT was therefore thought to be dangerous and the investigation was discontinued.