title: p,p'-DDT-induced alterations in brain serotonin metabolism.
abstract: Since p,p'-DDT-induced myoclonus is ameliorated by serotonin agonists and aggravated by serotonin antagonists, the effect of p,p'-DDT on serotonin metabolism in rat brain was examined. p,p'-DDT (600 mg/kg intragastrically) elevated plasma tryptophan as well as tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in all seven regional areas of the brain assayed. Serotonin levels were elevated only in the midbrain and cerebellum of p,p'-DDT-treated rats. p,p'-DDT increased serotonin turnover in the medulla and midbrain. p,p'-DDT had no effect on the transport of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid out of the central nervous system, serotonin uptake and release from nerve terminals, or serotonin receptor binding in the brain. The findings in this study do not support a brain serotonin deficiency hypothesis as the explanation for the response of p,p'-DDT-induced myoclonus to serotonin agonists.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003634:DDT / Q000633:toxicity*; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008238:Lysergic Acid Diethylamide / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013134:Spiperone / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D013134:Spiperone; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D008238:Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; D003634:DDT