THE EFFECT OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE ON PREGNANCY

Abstract

SUMMARY The action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on pregnancy in mice has been investigated. Deleterious effects have been observed at all stages. In advanced pregnancy a single dose may kill the foetuses within half an hour. The effect in early pregnancy can be antagonized by progesterone and by prolactin, as can the toxic effects of the drug on the experimental decidual reaction. In late pregnancy progesterone produces little, and prolactin no, reversal of the toxic action of 5-HT. It is suggested that in early pregnancy, 5-HT interferes with the hormonal mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of gestation, while later on its main toxic action is exerted directly on the uterine contents.