The biological mechanisms of air ion action. II. Negative air ion effects on the concentration and metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the mammalian respiratory tract

J Gen Physiol. 1960 Nov;44(2):269-76. doi: 10.1085/jgp.44.2.269.

Abstract

Negative air ions are shown to decrease 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations in extirpated strips of rabbit trachea and in the respiratory tracts of living mice. An initial exposure of guinea pigs to (-) air ions causes a transient rise in urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion which is not observed upon subsequent exposures. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis advanced earlier that (-) air ion effects depend on the ability of (-) ions to accelerate enzymatic oxidation of 5-hydroxytryptamine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Ions*
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Trachea / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Serotonin