Receptor mechanisms of serotonin-induced prenodal lymphatic constriction in the canine forelimb

Numerous endogenous vasoactive agents have been shown to cause lymphatic smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we assessed the ability of serotonin (5-HT) to alter lymphatic smooth muscle activity and elucidated the receptor mechanisms of 5-HT’s actions. Both intralymphatic and intra-arterial administration of 5-HT significantly increased lymphatic smooth muscle activity in lymphatics perfused at constant flow, as indicated by an increase in lymphatic perfusion pressure. The 5-HT-induced increase in lymphatic perfusion pressure is attenuated but not blocked by the intra-arterial infusion of phentolamine, suggesting the involvement of α-adrenoreceptors and 5-HT receptors. Intralymphatic infusion of the 5-HT2-receptor-agonist α-methylserotonin significantly increased lymphatic perfusion pressure, either alone or when administered into an α-receptor blocked preparation, whereas the 5-HT1-receptor-agonist carboxyamidotryptamine maleate did not effect the prenodal lymphatics. These data indicate that the lymphatic smooth muscle contraction produced by 5-HT is mediated both by lymphatic α-adrenoreceptors and 5-HT2 receptors.