House of Mind

Meet serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter commonly associated with anxiety and mood disorders (ex. depression) and implicated in psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia. 

• Serotonin can act as a hormone/neurotransmitter/mitogen and is ubiquitous in nature. 
• The precursor for serotonin is L-Tryptophan, which is converted into L-5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan by Tryptophan hydroxilase. L-5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan is converted to 5-Hydroxy Tryptamine (Serotonin). 
• Serotonin has a broad variety of functions including: modulation of gastrointestinal motility, peripheral vascular tone, cerebral vascular tone, and platelet function.
• In addition to it’s implication in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, serotonin has been implicated in migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as pulmonary and systemic hypertension.
• Serotonin has been linked to a variety of nervous system functions such as appetite, behavior and sleep cycles.
• In clinical treatment for depression, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have emerged as a new class of antidepressants that selectively block 5-HT transporters and increase extracellular 5-HT concentrations at 5-HT postsynaptic receptors. When administered chronically, SSRIs can further increase or maintain extracellular 5-HT levels.
• Compared to the traditional antidepressant medication, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), SSRIs were successful at reducing frequency and severity of side effects- a plus that has led to their widespread use and application. 

References:

Mohammad, Zadeh-LF, et al. Serotonin: A review. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2008. 31(3):187-99. 

Carr, GV & Lucki, I. The role of serotonin receptor subtypes in treating depression: a review of animal studies. Psychopharmacology. 2010.