The role of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the locomotor-suppressant effects of LSD: WAY-100635 studies of 8-OH-DPAT, DOI and LSD in rats

The selective 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 was employed to further clarify the respective contributions of 5-HT(1A) receptors to the effects of the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT, the 5-HT(2) agonist DOI, and the mixed 5-HT(1A/2) agonist LSD on exploratory locomotion in rats. In nocturnal studies of well-handled rats during their first exposure to the Behavioral Pattern Monitor, which enables analyses of quantitative and qualitative changes in locomotor activity, locomotor and investigatory responses were reduced by treatment with either 8-OH-DPAT, DOI, or LSD. The hypoactivity produced by 8-OH-DPAT, but not that produced by DOI, was antagonized by pretreatment with WAY-100635. These results substantiate the effectiveness and functional specificity of WAY-100635 as a 5-HT(1A) antagonist. Furthermore, these results are inconsistent with a functional interaction between 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors in the control of locomotor behavior. The decreases in locomotion produced by LSD were attenuated by pretreatment with WAY-100635, indicating that the effects of LSD in this paradigm are due partly to agonist actions at 5-HT(1A) receptors. Therefore, 5-HT(1A) receptors appear to play a direct role in mediating the effects of LSD on rodent locomotion.