Serotonin and Antiserotonins II. Clinical Studies, Especially in Essential Hypertension with the Benzyl Analog of Serotonin (BAS)

Serotonin, a smooth-muscle constrictor, has been suggested as possibly important in the pathogene-sis of arterial hypertension. The benzyl analog of serotonin (BAS) was developed as an anti-metabolite of serotonin, and has certain demonstrable antiserotonin effects in man. Orally it has mode.ate antihypertensive and other clinical effects resembling those of reserpine, which also has a definite antiserotonin action. However, there is question whether the clinical effects of oral BAS or of reserpine in hypertension are due to "antiserotonin " or other pharmacologic actions. BAS is clinically useful in the therapy of some patients with essential hypertension. W HAT role, if any, serotonin (5 hydroxy-tryptamine) may play in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension is open to question.' Although admittedly often pressor when given in large dosages intravenously, the effects of serotonin on blood pressure are always varia-ble.2-5 Indeed, when given intravenously it does not cause a generalized vasoconstrictio