5‐Hydroxytryptamine in Burns

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Abstract
Johansson, S.‐A. 5‐hydroxytryptamine in burns.The relative amounts of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) in skin, blood, and urine after burn injuries have been determined spectrophotofluorometrically after extraction into n‐butanol. Increased amounts of 5‐HT in rat skin and a decrease in the number of circulating platelets accompanied by a decrease in the total amount of 5‐HT in rabbit whole blood were found after burn injuries. In five human patients with severe burns an increase of the urinary excretion of the 5‐HT metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindole‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA) was found, which seems to indicate an increase in the endogen metabolism of 5‐HT. It is suggested that blood platelets inactivate free 5‐HT and that heparin can inhibit the liberation of 5‐HT from the blood platelets in burn injuries and anaphylactic reactions.