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5331983 
Journal Article 
Effect Of gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane On Serotonin Metabolism In Rat Brain 
Aldegunde, M; Parafita, M; Fernandez Otero, MP 
1983 
Yes 
General Pharmacology
ISSN: 0306-3623
EISSN: 1879-0011 
14 
2 
303-305 
English 
6188647 
The effects of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (58899) on brain serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic-acid (54160) (HIAA) were studied in Wistar-rats. Rats received the pesticide in single intragastric doses of 180 or 240 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), or vehicle alone. Half of each treated group were sacrificed 10 minutes after administration and before the onset of convulsions, and half were sacrificed 50 minutes after administration and after convulsions began. Brain serotonin and HIAA were measured in whole brain spectrofluorometrically after extraction from homogenates and reaction with o-phthaldehyde. The rate of serotonin synthesis was calculated on the basis of HIAA decline. Serotonin concentrations were significantly increased in the 240mg/kg group at both 10 and 50 minutes after treatment, and in the 180mg/kg group at 60 minutes; HIAA was significantly increased in both groups at both times. In treated groups, the rates of serotonin synthesis, as well as the steady state levels of HIAA, were increased. The constant efflux rate of HIAA declined with the higher dose. The authors conclude that gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane increases the synthesis of serotonin.