Abstract
Summary
Using an in vitro system patterned after that of Woolley(2), serotonin, tryptamine, tyramine and several related test substances were solubilized in benzene-butanol in varying degree in the presence of human plasma. Only serotonin and tryptamine of the substances tested were significantly influenced in their fat solubilization in the presence of plasma by addition of an excess of Ca++ or Mg++ and/or chelators to the in vitro system. Solubilization of both serotonin and tryptamine in benzene-butanol in presence of plasma was decreased somewhat by addition of Ca++ or Mg++ or disodium EDTA in excess to the system. It was eliminated by addition of disodium EDTA (but not disodium calcium EDTA) and either Ca++ or Mg++ to the system, also by prolonged prior dialysis of the plasma against balanced buffered salt solution plus disodium EDTA. The overall findings supported the hypothesis that divalent cations bound to a substance or substances present in human plasma formed a complex with serotonin or tryptamine to solubilize these usually lipid-insoluble materials in benzene-butanol, in the absence of competing chelators.
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