Abstract. Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the major monoamines in the brain. It is also found in the retina, a part of the brain, where a subgroup of amacrine cells are considered to be the sole retinal source of 5-HT. The data, obtained so far, about the serotonin receptors' function are contradictory. Therefore, our aim was to study the distribution of the 5-HT synthesizing neurons and the serotonin receptors from 5-HT1A to 5-HT7 in frog and turtle retinas, using the indirect immunofluorescent method. We found strong Tryptophan hydroxylase immunoreactivity in many amacrine and bipolar cells. Some horizontal, ganglion and glial cells were also stained, as well as a bundle of parallel axons in the proximal retina. All 5-HT receptors were also very well expressed. Our data show that the serotonin retinal sources are more numerous than was previously thought. The great variety of receptors expressed implies that serotonin may fulfill different functions, serving both as neuro-and glio-transmitter/modulator.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.