Lack of effect of M-CPP on noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in women

m-Chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) is applied as a specific post synaptic serotonergic stimulant. However, in animals it has been shown to also bind to several catecholamine receptors. In order to ascertain that in humans the cortisol and prolactin responses to m-CPP are not due to stimulation of catecholamines, we measured plasma levels of NE, MHPG and HVA in the same plasma samples that showed increased hormonal levels following administration of m-CPP. No post m-CPP change in HVA, NE or MHPG was found, suggesting that in humans catecholamines are probably not responsible for the hormonal and behavioral responses to m-CPP.