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Uptake of serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan by giant serotonin-containing neurones and other neurones in the central nervous system of the snail (Helix pomatia)

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Summary

Following exposure to tritiated 5-HTP, silver grains were observed over the perikarya of the GSCs (Giant serotonin cells) of Helix pomatia and other known serotonin-containing neurones in light and electron microscope autoradiograms. There was no indication that the 5-HTP was taken up by nerve endings or by non-nervous structures. The distribution of radioactivity was completely different in autoradiograms of tissue exposed to tritiated serotonin. Silver grains, often in very high concentrations, were observed only over certain fine axon branches and processes thought to be nerve endings. Electron microscope autoradiography showed that these processes contained small dense-cored vesicles, morphologically identical to those thought to sequester serotonin in the perikarya of the GSCs. The accumulation of tritiated tryptophan was less specific; all the neurone perikarya showed an accumulation of radioactivity after exposure to this substance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wellcome Laboratories of Pharmacology, Gatty Marine Laboratory, The University, St. Andrews, Scotland UK

    V. W. Pentreath & G. A. Cottrell

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  1. V. W. Pentreath
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  2. G. A. Cottrell
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We are grateful to Professor J. F. Lamb for the use of the Scintillation Spectrometer.

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Pentreath, V.W., Cottrell, G.A. Uptake of serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan by giant serotonin-containing neurones and other neurones in the central nervous system of the snail (Helix pomatia). Z.Zellforsch 143, 21–35 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307448

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307448

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