Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine; 5HT)

May be stored at 4 degree C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degree C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.

Recognizes the formaldehyde conjugate of serotonin. Without paraformaldehyde treatment, it cross-reacts in liquid phase with dopamine and tryptamine in hemagglutination tests. Shows no reactivity with catecholamine-containing neurons in formaldehyde fixed preparations. Reacts with serotonin in neurons and recognizes serotonergic sites in fixed tissue sections. By cell agglutination, no cross reactivity with 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, GABA, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptophan, carnosine or melatonin.