Uptake of DOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan by monoamine-forming neurones in the brain of Helix aspersa

Abstract

1. 1. The brain of Helix aspersa after fluorescence microscopy shows many fluorescent structures. Usually these emit either a green or yellow light. However, the cells at the junction of the visceral and right parietal ganglia are green in colour with yellow areas. 2. 2. After injection of l-DOPA the fluorescence of these cells is distinctly green in colour. 3. 3. After injection of 5-HTP the fluorescence of these cells is distinctly yellow in colour. 4. 4. Pretreatment of the DOPA-injected snails with a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor prevented the appearance of the green fluorescence. 5. 5. It is suggested that the cells at the junction of the visceral and right parietal ganglia contain both dopamine and 5-HT.