serotonin
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | Date: 2008
serotonin , organic compound that was first recognized as a powerful vasoconstrictor occurring in blood serum. It was partially purified, crystallized, and named in 1948, and its structure was deduced a year later. Independent work indicated that serotonin was widely distributed in nature and occurred in tissues other than blood. It has been shown to be in many representatives of the animal kingdom, in wasp stings and scorpion venom, in various fruits, such as pineapples, bananas, and plums, and in various nuts. It has been estimated that an adult human contains about 5 to 10 mg of serotonin, 90% of which is in the intestine and the rest in blood platelets and the brain. One role of the compound is as a neurotransmitter (see acetylcholine ) whose participation is being sought in diverse functions including learning, sleep, and control of mood. The structural similarity of serotonin to several drugs known to cause mental aberrations, such as LSD , has prompted much speculation as to the role of serotonin in naturally occurring mental disorders such as schizophrenia or depression. The function of serotonin in blood platelets is not clear; it seems to have no important role in the clotting mechanism. Its function in stings and venoms might be that of an irritant, since intravenous injections of serotonin in man produce pain at the site of injection, gasping, coughing, a general tingling and prickling sensation, nausea, cramps, and other unpleasant symptoms.
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The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2008
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press
Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles from HighBeam Research
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Ode to a mellifluous brain molecule: does everything come down to serotonin? Almost(research on a brain molecule called serotonin)
U.S. News & World Report; 11/25/1996; Watson, Traci; 672 words
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Biophysical Journal; 5/15/2008; Nag, Suman; Balaji, J; Madhu, P K; Maiti, S; 6269 words
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City hospital battles to find blood platelets for teen on life support.(News)
Pretoria News (South Africa); 11/26/2007; 181 words
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Pharmacological manipulation of serotonin levels in the nervous system of the opisthobranch mollusc Tritonia diomedea.
The Biological Bulletin; 8/1/2005; Fickbohm, David J. Spitzer, Nadja Katz, Paul S.; 4761 words
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Serotonin: a key to migraine disorders?
Nutrition Health Review; 6/22/1994; Comings, David E.; 414 words
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Localization and quantification of gonad serotonin during gametogenesis of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima.
The Biological Bulletin; 2/1/2002; Masseau, Isabelle Bannon, Pierre Anctil, Michel Dube, Francois; 5412 words
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INTEREST GROWS IN SEROTONIN-VIOLENCE LINK INKLINGS OF A BIOCHEMICAL BASIS TO AGGRESSION TRIGGER INQUIRIES FROM LAWYERS, CONCERNS ABOUT ABUSE
The Boston Globe; 12/12/1988; Richard A. Knox, Globe Staff; 2106 words
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Pugnacious mice lack serotonin receptor. (serotonin's action on receptor 5HT1b reduces aggression in mice) (Brief Article)
Science News; 11/27/1993; Strobel, Gabrielle; 298 words
; Disturbances in serotonin's complex web of action have been blamed for many disorders, including migranes, depression, and schizophrenia. As researchers discover more types of receptor molecules for his neurotransmitter--14 are currently known--scientists are gaining greater insights into how a
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Serotonin and impulse dyscontrol: brain chemistry involved in impulse and addictive behavior.
Behavioral Health Management; 1/1/1994; Landry, Mim J.; 2147 words
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Related entries from encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauruses
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serotonin
A Dictionary of Psychology
serotonin n. A biogenic amine that is a powerful vasoconstrictor ... depression and suicide often being associated with low serotonin levels. It is synthesized in the brain from its precursor ... from dietary tryptophan ), an amino acid that, unlike serotonin itself, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier , ...
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selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
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selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor n. A class of antidepressant drugs that have a specific blocking action on the reuptake of serotonin at synapses (1) in the central nervous system, allowing ambient concentrations of this neurotransmitter ...
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Paroxetine
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... antidepressant of the type known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is sold ... Description Paroxetine increases the amount of serotonin (also called 5-HT) available in the brain . Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical in ...
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Fluvoxamine
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... antidepressant of the type known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is marketed ... adolescents, and adults. Description Serotonin is a brain chemical that carries nerve ... in part, because there is not enough serotonin being released and transmitted in the ...
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Mood-Food Relationships
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... — dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin — have been studied in relation ... neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, while serotonin production in the brain has been associated ... drowsiness in some people). A stable brain serotonin level is associated with a positive mood ...
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