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Woolley DW. 
“Serotonin in mental disorders”. 
Res. Publ. Ass. Nerv. Ment. Dis., NY. 1958;36:381-400.
Abstract
A review is given of the experimental basis for the concept that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) exerts a function in maintaining normal mental processes and that interference with its action on the brain leads to mental disturbances. The following points are of interest: .
  • 5-HT occurs in the brain and can be formed there from 5-hydroxytryptophan.
  • 5-HT does not readily enter the brain from the periphery.
  • Many agents causing mental disturbances in man, e.g. LSD, are antimetabolites of 5-HT.
  • The effects of these agents on smooth muscle are completely antagonized by 5-HT.
  • Some of these agents also act like 5-HT.
  • 5-HT causes oligodendroglia of human brain to contract. Several of the agents, e.g. LSD, antagonize or mimic this effect.
  • The antagonists of 5-HT which produce mental disturbances in man also influence behavior in animals.
  • Under suitable conditions, 5-HT overcomes some of these behavioral changes.
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