Abstract
Summary
The effect of serotonin on oxidative phosphorylation by rat brain mitochondria was studied. It was found that both phosphorus and oxygen uptake were inhibited by the addition of serotonin. However, the uptake of phosphorus was more sensitive to serotonin inhibition. The addition of serotonin caused an uncoupling of phosphorylation from oxidation as evidenced by a reduced P/O ratio. This effect of serotonin was removed by monoamine oxidase blockade. Indication that the effect of serotonin is mediated via its carbonyl derivative was further strengthened by the use of 3-indole-acetaldehyde which gave similar inhibition of phosphorus and oxygen uptake. These findings support the hypothesis that serotonin could impede brain function by inhibition of energy producing reactions.
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