Abstract
The chapter discusses the methods for measuring the turnover of brain 5-HT. Turnover rates are better indicators of neuronal activity and of transmitter–receptor concentration than tissue transmitter levels. The rates of accumulation of 5-HIAA after probenecid, 5-HT after a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, and the initial rate of 5-HIAA loss after the MAO inhibitor are all virtually identical. In this context, this chapter illustrates a model for 5-HT metabolism in the normal rat brain. The model assumes that the major metabolic pathway for 5-HT is oxidative deamination. The model must be adjusted accordingly if other pathways are found. The rapid turnover of 5-HT in brain suggests that 5-HT serves an important role in maintaining normal brain function. The development of techniques to estimate the turnover of 5-HT in vivo will allow studying the effects of environmental change and drugs on indole metabolism in the brain and to acquire a better understanding of the fundamental role of 5-HT.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
