Abstract
Previous studies have shown that 5-HT is rapidly taken up by the endothelial cells and some investigations also suggested that serotonin is metabolized within these cells. In earlier studies on rat-lungs using a fluorescence histo- chemical method according to Hillarp - Falk we demonstrated that 5-HT was accumulated within the mast cells. Using this technique we could not demonstrate any specific uptake in the pulmonary endothelial cells. It was the purpose of the present investigation to further study the 5-HT uptake by isolated pulmonary endothelial cells.Methods Cells from the vascular intima of the pulmonary artery in adult rats were grown in a growth medium containing FCS. The endothelial nature of these cells was demonstrated using transmission electron microscopy and factor VIII analysis. Confluent endothelial cells were incubated with 5-HT and the cellular uptake was studied with fluorescence microscopy according to the Hillarp - Falk procedure.Results The endothelial cells were identified by the presence of Weibel-Palade bodies using transmission electron microscopy and the immunofluorescent demonstration of cellular factor VIII antigen. Cells not exposed to serotonin had no specific 5-HT fluorescense. After incubation with 5-HT at different concentrations there was a progressive uptake of the amine within the cells.Conclusions This study confirms previous reports on the specific serotonin uptake in endothelial cells. The Hillarp-Falk procedure seems suitable for further studies of serotonin uptake in cultured endothelial cells.
Published Version (
Free)
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 call