Effect of Serotonin Treatment on Intestinal Transport in the Rabbit.

摘要

The hormone serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine) has been implicated as the cause of the diarrhea seen in many patients with the carcinoid syndrome. To determine whether serotonin is an intestinal secretagogue, the effect of serotonin on intestinal water and electrolyte transport was evaluated in the rabbit. Serotonin treatment resulted in ileal secretion and decreased mid-jejunal absorption of water and electrolytes but did not effect water absorption in the proximal jejunum or colon. Intestinal absorption of d-glucose and the amino acid l-tryptophan and glucose-dependent water and electrolyte absorption were normal in serotonin-treated animals. No alterations in intestinal histology or permeability occurred in serotonin-treated animals.