[Genetic control of the tissue concentration of serotonin in mice]

Brain stem, stomach and blood serotonin contents were studied in inbred mice of eight strains. The serotonin level in brain and in peripheral tissue is genetically determined. There was no correlation between the serotonin levels of brain, blood and stomach. This suggests a different genetic regulation of serotonin metabolism in the central nervous system and in the gastrointestinal tract.