[Perturbations of the levels of hypophyseal serotonin induced by oral administration of a single dose of 7, 12-dimethyl 1-2 benz(a)anthracene in rats].

Pituitary serotonin was estimated by fluorescence technique in rats fed with DMBA at 30 days, 60 days or 90 days age. In the rats most receptive to this carcinogen, serotonin was found to be decreased to 40% of control values, for the 8 days period studied. A possible mechanism leading to hormonal unbalance is proposed.