[Change in biogenic amine metabolism in botulin poisoning]

An increase in content of serotonin, histamine, the elevated histaminase activity in tissues and an increase in excretion of 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid with urine were observed in experimental botulism, accompanied by paresis of sceletal muscles. As the paralysis progressed content of histamine gradually decreased in nervous tissue but it remained to be increased in the internal tissues although the histaminase activity was high. At the same time, content of serotonin was maintained at an increased level in the nervous tissue, but it was normalized in several internal organs. Excretion of 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid with urine was decreased. LD50 of botulinic toxin was titrated in mice, which were simultaneously administered with preparations increasing or decreasing the synthesis and the activity of biogenic amines. The data obtained suggest that the impairments in metabolism of biogenic amines could be important for development of the intoxication.