Serotonin modulation of the release of sequestered [3H]serotonin from nerve terminals in an insect neurohemal organ in vitro.

Exogenous tritiated serotonin ([3H]5-HT) is taken up by and released from serotonin-containing fibers within abdominal nerves of Rhodnius prolixus during in vitro incubations. Sequestered [3H]5-HT behaves as expected of an endogenous neurosecretory product in this system. Release is Ca2+-dependent during both K+-induced and physiologically induced secretory episodes. The kinetics of the release of sequestered label parallels the kinetics of release of endogenous neurohormones. Preloaded preparations which are washed with unlabeled 5-HT release label in two fashions; 5-HT itself induces a release of label and, at lower concentrations, 5-HT facilitates the release of label induced by high K+ washes. Facilitatory effects appear to be mediated through receptors within the neurohemal organ (NHO).