UPTAKE OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND ADRENALINE IN THE LIVER.

A dose of 5-hydroxytryptamine caused a greater contraction of the cat nictitating membrane when injected into the jugular vein than when injected into the portal vein. The difference is attributed to uptake or destruction of 5-hydroxytryptamine by the liver. The effects of portal and jugular injections became equal after administration of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors iproniazid or harmaline. Isoniazid, which does not inhibit monoamine oxidase, did not have this effect. Similarly, the effect of a portal injection of adrenaline was less than the effect of an equal jugular injection of adrenaline. Iproniazid and harmaline increased the effect of a portal injection, but not to equal the effect of a jugular injection. Isoniazid had no effect. Pyrogallol did not alter the ratio between the effects of portal and jugular injections of adrenaline, but increased the responses to both.