Serotoninergic activity stimulates melanin dispersion within dermal melanophores of newts.
Systemic injections of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor to serotonin, stimulates melanin dispersion within dermal melanophores of red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens). Injections of para-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, inhibited melanin dispersion, and hence darkening of the skin, when newts were transferred to a dark background. The results indicate a role for serotoninergic activity in the background adaptation response in this amphibian.
Miller
L J
LJ
Department of Biology, Gannon University, Erie, PA 16541.
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010134:Fenclonine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008547:Melanophores / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009673:Notophthalmus viridescens; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D008543:Melanins; D012701:Serotonin; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan; D010134:Fenclonine