This study aimed to investigate the effects of linden honey in maintaining the stability of peripheral serotonergic system in the psychosocially stressed rats. In this experiment we examined concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in Serbian linden honey, as well as concentrations of 5-HT and MAO A activity in the blood of chronically stressed rats treated with linden honey. The investigated parameters were quantified using HPLC method with electrochemical detector, HPLC method with a fluorescent detector, and assay of enzyme activities. An important result of this study is that using analytical chemistry methods we have detected 5-HT in linden honey from Serbia for the first time. Also, we found that treatment with linden honey in the socially isolated animals increased concentration of 5-HT and decreased MAO A activity. Our results may by important in the research of the role of linden honey in maintaining stability of peripheral serotonergic system in stress condition.
Keywords: Honey; blood; monoamine oxidase A; rats; serotonin; social isolation.