Inhibitory effects of buspirone on the enhancement of lung metastases induced by operative stress in rats

Experiments were performed in order to evaluate the effects of buspirone (1 mg/kg s.c.), a 5-HT(1A) agonist anxiolytic, on the development of lung metastases in rats subjected to laparotomy and injected (i.v.) with 104 Walker 256 (W-256) carcinosarcoma cells. The number of metastatic nodules on the surface of the lungs, as well as the percentage-area of metastases in the frontal section through pulmonary hilus were increased in rats subjected to sham-surgery or laparotomy. Treatment with buspirone partially reversed those adverse effects of surgery. Survival periods were also assessed and buspirone was found to decrease the lethality of rats exposed to surgery.