Effects of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on an identified 5-hydroxytryptamine-containing neurone in the central nervous sytem of the snail Helix pomatia.

1. The effect of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) on an identified 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-containing neurone in the CNS of the snail was studied by histochemical, biochemical and electrophysiological methods. 2. Low concentrations of 5,7-DHT decreased the endogenous 5-HT content of the neurone without affecting the amino acids, while relatively large amounts of the drug proportionately lowered 5-HT and in addition slightly decreased the tryptophan and methionine content of the cell. 3. 5,7-DHT blocked the uptake of [3H]-5-HT into the neurone; the close analogue 5,6-DHT was more potent. 4. As well as slightly influencing the accumulation of [3H]-tryptophan by the neurone 5,7-DHT inhibited the metabolism of this amino acid to form 5-HT, probably by affecting the enzyme tryptophan-hydroxylase. 5. 5,7-DHT produced a postsynaptic blockade of transmission from the neurone by blocking the 5-HT receptors of the follower neurones. This effect appeared to be specific for 5-HT receptors. 6. The data support the idea that 5,7-DHT is neurotoxic for indoleamine-containing neurones.