THE ROLE OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ENDONYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS

Abstract

ENDONYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS (E.M.F) is a common heart disease in certain areas of Africa. Much knowledge has accumulated in recent years about the pathology and clinical features of this disease; but at present, its pathogenesis is still in the realms of conjecture. 5-hydroxytroptamine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of E.M.F. on the basis of the role of this substance in causing cardiac lessions in the carcinoid syndrome. it is believed that E.M.F. and carcinoid heart disease have many features in common. Thus high serum level of 5-HT, as in carcinoid heart disease, is postulated to occur in E.M.F. and cause cardiac damage in this condition.