Summary
Serotonin (5-HT) and histamine levels in three different status-control, p-chlorophenylalanine-(PCPA)-treated and fasting rats—were determined by the spectrophotoflrometric assay throughout the gut. Then, the esophagus, duodenum, jujenum, ileum and colon from PCPA-treated rats were investigated for their motilities and responses to biogenic amines and their antagonists by means of Magnus’ method.
Seventy-four percent to 86% averaging 79% reduction of 5-HT content throughout the alimentary tract was obtained by daily administrations of 200 mg/kg of PCPA for 4 days, although no reduction was observed in histamine content. Little effect in 5-HT and histamine levels was observed by fasting for 48 hr.
Species difference between rat and guinea pig was prominent in 5-HT content in the small intestine and in sensitivity to PCPA treatment.
Isolated preparations from all parts of the gut from PCPA-treated rats showed the marked elevation of the tonus in the response to 5-HT in vitro.
Histamine induced the contraction of the small intestine and the relaxation of the colon, and these effects were not inhibited by histamine H2-receptor blocker, burimamide.
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Sekizuka, H., Nishizaki, H., Sunagawa, M. et al. Selective depletion of serotonin in the alimentary tract of rats with p-chlorophenylalanine treatment, and the effect of serotonin depletion on its movements and on the response to biogenic amines. Gastroenterol Jpn 9, 235–244 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02774789
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02774789