[Content of serotonin and histamine in rat submandibular gland under conditions of botulism and toxic diphtheria].

Content of histamine and serotonin was estimated spectrofluorimetrically in rat submandibular salivary glands under conditions of experimental botulinic and diphtheric intoxication. Decrease in secretion of saliva in botulism was due not only to parasympathetic denervation of the salivary glands but also to alterations in serotonin and, especially, histamine metabolism in the gland tissue. Content of these biogenic amines was almost unaltered after increase in secretion of saliva caused by blocking of the sympathetic nervous impulsation by diphtheria toxin.