Advantages ofn-heptanol in the extraction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)

Zusammenfassung Mitn-Heptanol als Extraktionsmittel können kleine Mengen von 5-Hydroxytryptamin (5-HT) aus biologischem Material, das 5-Hydroxytryptaphan (5-HTP) in grossen Mengen enthält, extrahiert werden.     

Evidence for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) as transmitter in the penis retractor muscle ofHelix pomatia L.

Summary Microchromatography of dansylated substances was used to estimate the serotonin content of the penis retractor muscle (PRM) ofHelix pomatia. Pharmacological data in connection with the biochemical results suggest that 5-HT plays a role in the regulation of the mechanical activity of the PRM.     

Tryptophan (Trp), serotonin (5-HT), monoamino oxidase (MAO) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in brain and subesophagic ganglions of earthworms. Effects of Parathion

Summary Tryptophan, 5-HT, MAO and 5-HIAA were determined in the first 5 segments of earthworms (Oligochaetae) where the brain and subesophagic ganglions are located. Tranylcypromine (IMAO) decreased MAO activity increasing 5-HT and decreasing 5-HIAA. Motility and survival of worms were disturbed. InAllolobophora species (young worms), parathion fumigation decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and increased Trp, 5-HT and 5-HIAA. Motility was diminished after 24 h: it worsened after 72, but returned to normal levels 40/50 days later.Publication of the National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Argentina.Acknowledgments. We are most grateful to Prof. Zlatko Tomsic (from the Lillo Institute, Tucumán) and to Leticia Alvarado (from INTA) and to Prof. Mirta P. de Matosian for earthworm classification.     

Characterization of the 5-HT1A receptor of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and involvement of serotonin in phototactic behavior

Serotonin plays a key role in modulating various physiological and behavioral processes in both protostomes and deuterostomes. The vast majority of serotonin receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. We report the cloning of a cDNA from the honeybee (Am5-ht1A) sharing high similarity with members of the 5-HT₁ receptor class. Activation of Am5-HT_1A by serotonin inhibited the production of cAMP in a dose-dependent manner (EC₅₀ = 16.9 nM). Am5-HT_1A was highly expressed in brain regions known to be involved in visual information processing. Using in vivo pharmacology, we could demonstrate that Am5-HT_1A receptor ligands had a strong impact on the phototactic behavior of individual bees. The data presented here mark the first comprehensive study—from gene to behavior—of a 5-HT_1A receptor in the honeybee, paving the way for the eventual elucidation of additional roles of this receptor subtype in the physiology and behavior of this social insect.     

Effects ofβ-internal (P32) irradiation on the 5-HT content of CNS levels

Zusammenfassung Die interne-Bestrahlung in kleinen Dosen vergrössert den 5-Hydroxytryptamin-Inhalt des zentralen Nervensystems der Ratte: Gehirnrinde, Dyencephalus, Hypothalamus, Geruchbulbe, Mittelhirn und Rückenmark. Bei Experimenten mit höheren Dosen (über 500 rad) sinkt der 5-Hydroxytryptamin-Gehalt.

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This work has been carried out under a grant from the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna; contract No. 95 RB/1-RB/2.     

Observations on the metabolism of endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (enteramine) in the rat

Zusammenfassung Der Rattenurin enthält 1,34µg 5-Hydroxyindolyl-essigsäure je Kubikzentimeter (=81,4µg/kg/24 h). Daraus ist zu berechnen, dass in der Ratte täglich 216–236µg/kg 5-Hydroxytryptamin metabolisiert werden. Dies bedeutet, dass das Blutplättchen-5-HT alle 3–4 h und das Gesamt-5-HT des Organismus alle 12–14 h erneuert werden wird.Die erhaltenen quantitativen Daten sind hauptsächlich im Hinblick auf die fragliche Bildungsstelle des 5-HT und die biologische Bedeutung der Substanz selber wichtig.     

Observations on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (Enteramine) release caused by reserpine in the rat

Zusammenfassung Bei ausreichender Dosierung ist Reserpin imstande, eine praktisch vollkommene Freisetzung des 5-Oxytryptamins (5-OT) aus den Blutplättchen und der Milz zu verursachen und eine partielle Freisetzung aus der Magen-Darmschleimhaut und dem Gehirn. Die Ausgangswerte werden dann nur langsam erreicht. 5-OT exogener Herkunft hindert die reserpinbedingte Ausschüttung des endogenen 5-OT.     

Insulin-producing cells in the brain of adult Drosophila are regulated by the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor

Insulin signaling regulates lifespan, reproduction, metabolic homeostasis, and resistance to stress in the adult organism. In Drosophila, there are seven insulin-like peptides (DILP1–7). Three of these (DILP2, 3 and 5) are produced in median neurosecretory cells of the brain, designated IPCs. Previous work has suggested that production or release of DILPs in IPCs can be regulated by a factor secreted from the fat body as well as by neuronal GABA or short neuropeptide F. There is also evidence that serotonergic neurons may regulate IPCs. Here, we investigated mechanisms by which serotonin may regulate the IPCs. We show that the IPCs in adult flies express the 5-HT_1A, but not the 5-HT_1B or 5-HT₇ receptors, and that processes of serotonergic neurons impinge on the IPC branches. Knockdown of 5-HT_1A in IPCs by targeted RNA interference (RNAi) leads to increased sensitivity to heat, prolonged recovery after cold knockdown and decreased resistance to starvation. Lipid metabolism is also affected, but no effect on growth was seen. Furthermore, we show that DILP2-immunolevels in IPCs increase after 5-HT_1A knockdown; this is accentuated by starvation. Heterozygous 5-HT_1A mutant flies display the same phenotype in all assays, as seen after targeted 5-HT_1A RNAi, and flies fed the 5-HT_1A antagonist WAY100635 display reduced lifespan at starvation. Our findings suggest that serotonin acts on brain IPCs via the 5-HT_1A receptor, thereby affecting their activity and probably insulin signaling. Thus, we have identified a second inhibitory pathway regulating IPC activity in the Drosophila brain.     

Calcium and phosphate levels in bats (Myotis lucifugus) as function of season and activity

Zusammenfassung Untersuchungen an Laboratoriums-FledermäusenMyotis lucifugus während aller Phasen der Winterschlaflethargie zeigen, dass Unbeweglichkeit der Tiere entscheidend auf den Verlust an Knochenmineralien wirkt. Die Vermehrung an Osteoklasten sowie die Hyperkalzemie und die Hypophosphatemie bei winterschlafenden Fledermäusen weisen ebenfalls in Richtung der Resorptionsvorgänge im Knochen.     

Action of reserpine on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (enteramine) biosynthesis and metabolism in dogs and rats

Zusammenfassung Wiederholte intraperitoneale Reserpindosen (0.1–1 mg/kg), die bei vielen Tieren tödlich wirken, sind beim Hund und bei der Ratte kaum imstande, die Biosynthese des 5-Oxytryptamins (Enteramin) zu beeinflussen, obwohl sie eine erhebliche Ausschüttung der Substanz aus einigen Körperdepots verursachen können.     

High affinity binding of 5-hydroxytryptamine to some membrane preparations from cattle brain. Relationship to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)]

5 hydroxytryptamine binds to crude brain membrane preparations with two different affinities (KD = 1 to 2 X 10(-9) M for the highest, 1 to 2 X 10(-8) M for the lowest). LSD also binds with two affinities (KD = 3 to 4 X 10(-9) M and KD = 2 to 3 X 10(-8) M). Subcellular distribution of these sites shows that binding involves the two binding affinities in microsomal membranes but solely the high affinity binding sites are present in purified synaptosomal membranes. High affinity sites for 5 HT and for LSD are different as no direct competitive inhibition is observed in that case. On microsomal membranes, direct relationship occurs between low affinity binding for 5 HT and high affinity binding for LSD.