Abstract
IN an earlier report1, it was concluded from evidence obtained by pharmacological tests and paper chromatography that 5-hydroxytryptamine was a constituent of the sea-anemones, Metridium senile and Calliactis parasitica. More 5-hydroxytryptamine-like material was obtainable from Metridium tentacles, with their nematocysts, than from body wall which is relatively free of nematocysts. This led to the suggestion that 5-hydroxytryptamine might be a pain-producing factor in these stinging organelles. An independent study2 of material released on discharge of isolated Metridium nematocysts yielded two hydroxyindoles tentatively identified by chromatography as 5-hydroxytryptophan and bufotenine. The identification of 5-hydroxytryptamine in Calliactis has now been made quite certain3,4. However, the very large amount found in the coelenteric organ of this species and the relatively small amount in tentacles, coupled with the finding of little 5-hydroxytryptamine in Metridium and Anemonia sulcata, led Mathias, Koss and Schachter3,4 to conclude that it is unlikely that 5-hydroxytryptamine is associated with nematocysts. Further evidence is now available that this conclusion may not be fully warranted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
