Serotonin and MSH secretion: effect of parachlorophenylalanine on the pituitary cytology of the eel

Parachlorophenylalanine (pCPA), an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase which depletes brain serotonin in higher vertebrates, was injected into freshwater eels. After 4 or 6 injections (200 mg/kg/day) or 10 injections (100 and 140 mg/kg/day), the animals are paler, with a low melanophore index. In th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell and tissue research 1978-07, Vol.191 (1), p.83-92
Main Author: Olivereau, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
5-Hydroxytryptophan - pharmacology
Anguilla - physiology
Animals
Fenclonine - pharmacology
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - metabolism
Male
Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones - metabolism
Melanophores - drug effects
Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction
Pituitary Gland - cytology
Pituitary Gland - drug effects
Pituitary Gland - physiology
Serotonin - physiology
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Summary:Parachlorophenylalanine (pCPA), an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase which depletes brain serotonin in higher vertebrates, was injected into freshwater eels. After 4 or 6 injections (200 mg/kg/day) or 10 injections (100 and 140 mg/kg/day), the animals are paler, with a low melanophore index. In the pituitary gland, granules tend to accumulate in the basal part of the MSH cells and in the perinuclear area. Cells appear smaller with a decreased nuclear area (P less than 0.001). In the neurohypophysis, the amount of neurosecretory material is often reduced. Conversely, injections of 5-hydroxytryptophan induce a strong darkening, a result similar to that previously reported in some amphibian species and in one lacertilian species. These data substantiate the hypothesis of a stimulatory influence of 5-hydroxytryptamine on MSH release and possibly its synthesis in the eel and other lower vertebrates.
ISSN:0302-766X
1432-0878
DOI:10.1007/BF00223217