THE MECHANISM OF THE SEROTONIN RELEASING ACTION OF CONGO RED AND THE ROLE OF SEROTONIN IN COLLOID SHOCK

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Abstract
Studies were carried out on the mechanism of action of congo red in releasing 5-HT [5-hydroxytrypt-amine] and on the role of 5-HT released in shock produced by colloids such as congo red, mastix and arsphenamine. It was suggested that a formation of precipitable complexes of fibrinogen with congo red induced agglutination or destruction of platelets and as a result platelet 5-HT was liberated into plasma. A parallel correlation was confirmed between shock-inducing activity of colloids and their 5-HT releasing activity. Congo red and mastix which presented the same type of shock syndrome in cats, produced a marked release of 5-HT from platelets in vitro. Inulin and gelatin, on the other hand, produced neither shock in cats nor release of 5-HT into plasma in vitro. The results obtained on arsphenamine were inconsistent because of technical difficulties. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, which completely inhibited the 5-HT releasing action of congo red, prevented the occurrence of shock induced by congo red completely. The above described facts and the results previously stated indicate that 5-HT plays an important role in shock induced by congo red. The mechanism of shock caused by colloids was discussed.

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