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British Journal of Pharmacology logoLink to British Journal of Pharmacology
. 1970 Jan;38(1):106–116. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1970.tb10340.x

The action of para-methoxyphenylethylamine (PMPEA) on monosynaptic reflex transmission in the cat

R J Walker, J C Willis, W D Willis
PMCID: PMC1702649  PMID: 5413281

Abstract

1. The intravenous injection of para-methoxyphenylethylamine (PMPEA) into cats produces an increase in the size of the spinal cord monosynaptic reflex. The reflex elevation occurs within 30 s of drug administration, reaches a peak within 2 min, and lasts about 20 min.

2. The action of PMPEA is similar for extensor (gastrocnemius-soleus) and flexor (posterior biceps-semitendinosus) monosynaptic reflexes.

3. Repeated doses of PMPEA give comparable effects. The degree of monosynaptic reflex elevation is dose related.

4. The action of PMPEA is antagonized by phenoxybenzamine and by methysergide or cyproheptadine. The combination of phenoxybenzamine with either of the latter is particularly effective in preventing the reflex facilitation by PMPEA.

5. It is concluded that PMPEA has a central action on the spinal cord. It seems likely that monoaminergic synapses are involved.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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