Serotonin-containing epithelial cells in rat duodenum. II. Quantitative study of the effect of 5HTP administration.

The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) administration on serotonin (5HT)-containing epithelial cells in rat duodenum was investigated quantitatively using three-dimensional morphometry to determine cell density and HPLC to measure 5HT and 5HTP concentrations. The results are interpreted in terms of the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) capacity of the cells. After administration of 5HTP, no significant change was observed in the density of 5HT-fluorescent epithelial cells in the duodenal region examined. Moreover, no evidence could be obtained that the concentration of 5HT in duodenal villi was increased after 5HTP administration, despite a highly significant increase in serum 5HTP and 5HT levels. These results indicate that no cells in the duodenal epithelium have the ability to decarboxylate exogenously administered 5HTP and convert it to 5HT under physiological conditions.