[The effect of anthelmintics on the serotonin content of cestodes].

The effects of some anthelminthic agents, such as praziquantel, fenasal, albendazole, on the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the tissues of Hymenolepis diminuta cestodes and Mesocestoides corti tetrathyridia were examined in vivo and in vitro. The finding showed lower serotonin levels in H.diminuta after praziquantel and albendazole and in M. corti after fenasal. It is suggested that the serotonin neurotransmitter system of helminths is involved in the mechanism of action of these agents.