Influence of 5-Hydroxytryptamine on Aortic Valve Competence In Vitro
Adrian H. Chester PhD, Martin Misfeld MD, Hans-H. Sievers MD, Magdi H. Yacoub FRS

The effect 5-HT on the competence of isolated aortic roots in vitro has been assessed, and the vasomotor properties of this agent on aortic roots examined. 5-HT increased the rate of leakage from intact aortic roots in concentration-dependent fashion. This effect appeared to be mediated by a contractile effect of 5-HT on cusp tissue, in preference to an effect on the sintotubular junction, sinus or annular tissues. These results demonstrate that 5-HT can influence the competence of isolated porcine aortic valves.