Distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine and related compounds in various brain regions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The levels of tryptophan (Try), 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in the brain regions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). Brain tryptophan concentrations varied from 3.972 ± 357 ng/g cerebellum) to 8.841 ± 772 ng/g (hypothalamus). The 5-HT concentrations varied from 69 ± 7 ng/g (optic tectum) to 573 ± 34 ng/g (hypothalamus). The concentrations of 5-HIAA varied from 29 ± 3 ng/g (medulla oblongata) to 68 ± 7 ng/g (hypothalamus). Total and free serum tryptophan levels were also determined; in adult rainbow trout 92% of the serum tryptophan was observed to be free i.e., not protein-bound.