Physiologically identified 5-HT₂-like receptors at the crayfish neuromuscular junction

The model synaptic preparation of the crayfish opener neuromuscular junction is known to be responsive to exogenous application of 5-HT. The primary effect of 5-HT is an enhancement of vesicular release from the presynaptic motor nerve terminal. 5-HT is known to act through an IP₃ cascade which suggests the presence of a 5-HT₂ receptor subtype; however, this is based on vertebrate 5-HT receptor classification. We examined this possibility by using a selective agonist and two antagonists of the vertebrate 5-HT₂ receptor subtypes. The antagonist ketanserin and spiperone reduce the responsiveness of 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner. The broad 5-HT₂ receptor agonist, α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (α-Me-5-HT) enhances synaptic transmission, in a concentration-dependent manner, but it is not as potent as 5-HT. These results support the notion that a 5-HT₂ receptor subtype is present presynaptically on the crayfish motor nerve terminals. By knowing the types of 5-HT receptors present on the presynaptic motor nerve terminals in this model synaptic preparation, a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of 5-HT on vesicular release will be forthcoming.