Difference between revisions of "Serotonin"
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| − | '''Serotonin''' or '''5-Hydroxytryptamine''' (5-HT) is a biogenic amine [[neurotransmitter]] found in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including [[mood]], body temperature, sleep, and sexuality. | + | '''Serotonin''' or '''5-Hydroxytryptamine''' (5-HT) is a biogenic amine [[neurotransmitter]] found in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including regulation of [[mood]], vomiting, aggression, appetite, body temperature, sleep, and sexuality. |
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| + | Most of the body's serotonin is found within the gastrointestinal tract (roughly 90%) and is secreted from enterochromaffin cells. The source of serotonin within the central nervous system is the Raphe Nuclei in the brainstem. It is posited that individuals deficient in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as clinical [[depression]], [[Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]], [[anxiety|anxiety disorders]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]], ear infections, and [[migraine]]s. Consequently, medications that increase serotonergic activity in the brain are often used to treat these disorders. Examples include antidepressants such as [[monoamine oxidase inhibitors]] (MAOIs), [[Tricyclic anti-depressants]], and [[Selective-Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitors]] (SSRIs). | ||
[[Category:Human physiology]] | [[Category:Human physiology]] | ||
Revision as of 19:57, September 27, 2007
Serotonin or 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a biogenic amine neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including regulation of mood, vomiting, aggression, appetite, body temperature, sleep, and sexuality.
Most of the body's serotonin is found within the gastrointestinal tract (roughly 90%) and is secreted from enterochromaffin cells. The source of serotonin within the central nervous system is the Raphe Nuclei in the brainstem. It is posited that individuals deficient in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as clinical depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, ear infections, and migraines. Consequently, medications that increase serotonergic activity in the brain are often used to treat these disorders. Examples include antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic anti-depressants, and Selective-Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitors (SSRIs).