Posted by SLS on March 13, 2001, at 16:53:12
In reply to Re: Any info on 5HT4 receptors?, posted by Noa on March 13, 2001, at 12:05:46
Dear Noa,
I took it upon myself to look into 5-HT4 receptors on the day of your post. I was able to find some information regarding their location and function. They seem to help regulate peripheral smooth muscle contractility, including cardiac and gastrointestinal. These receptors are also present in the human bladder. Stimulation of 5-HT4 receptors will decrease bladder capacity by preventing its relaxation during filling. This seems to be mediated via the ability of 5-HT4 receptors to increase the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. I don't know how Serzone, Effexor, or the SSRIs would affect the stimulation of these receptors, but if they do, reduced bladder capacity would be the result.
One of my thoughts is that it might be the Serzone you take that is the culprit. One of its metabolites, mCPP, is a potent 5-HT receptor agonist, precisely the type of agent capable of reducing bladder capacity. Unfortunately, I could not find any investigations studying this issue. It's just a less than educated guess.
I also came upon an abstract that described a role for 5-HT1a receptors on bladder capacity, but I don't remember if they were located within the bladder or in the CNS.
Thanks for teaching me something new! :-)
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:56227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56413.html