5-Hydroxytryptamine-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysate cell-free system

Addition of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to initiation dependent rabbit reticulocyte lysate cell-free system caused marked reductions in endogenous mRNA- and poly(U)-directed protein synthesis. Comparison of the effects on protein synthesis of 5-HT with known inhibitors of initiation (aurintricarboxylic acid and polyinosinic acid) has revealed a similar action for the compounds, suggesting that the amine may exert its inhibitory effect on the initiation of protein synthesis.