Effects of heavy metals on monoamine uptake and release in brain synaptosomes and blood platelets.

Among a number of divalent cations tested only Cu drastically affected uptake and release of monoamines from nerve endings in vitro. Ionic organometallic compounds were more toxic in this respect. Cu and Met-Hg, which were toxic in synaptosomes, were also toxic in blood platelets. The effects in vitro seem to depend on such factors that make it impossible to predict responses of metals in vivo. The long-term effects must be studied after animals have been exposed to these metals.