The effect of administration of 3-acetylpyridine (antivitamin B3), on rat brain serotoninergic and NAD receptor systems was investigated. The injection of 3-acetylpyridine to rats caused a decrease of NAD and serotonin content in the brain and changes in [U-14C]NAD binding to synaptic membranes, serotonin uptake by nerve endings, as well as sensitivity of this process to NAD (10-5 M). Pretreatment of animals with nicotinamide restored modulating effect of NAD.