Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
Published on: May 27, 2022
Interaction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) against Aspergillus spp. in vitro
Susanne Perkhofer1, Harald Niederegger, Gerhard Blum
1Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria. susanne.perkhofer@i-med.ac.at
Abstract:
This study examined the direct interaction of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) with Aspergillus species. Accumulation of 5-HT in aspergilli was investigated by immunofluorescence staining and laser confocal scanning microscopy. The influence of 5-HT on fungal ergosterol content, cell membrane integrity, fungal growth and hyphal elongation was determined. 5-HT was localised in the cytoplasm of Aspergillus spp., as 5-HT fluorescent signals appeared after 30min at 4 degrees C and in the presence of inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation. 5-HT treatment of Aspergillus spp. significantly affected ergosterol synthesis, fungal cell membrane integrity and hyphal elongation (P<0.05). 5-HT treatment for 4h resulted in a lag of re-growth (post-antifungal effect). In conclusion, our findings suggest that 5-HT affects hyphal growth and diminishes fungal cell membrane integrity.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
Antifungal Agents
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
