Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological and behavioral processes in the body, including:
1. Mood regulation: Serotonin is known to regulate mood and is involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
2. Appetite and digestion: Serotonin is involved in regulating appetite and digestion. In the gut, serotonin regulates intestinal motility, secretion, and sensation.
3. Sleep: Serotonin is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and is thought to play a role in promoting REM sleep.
4. Pain perception: Serotonin can modulate pain perception and is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic pain disorders.
5. Cardiovascular function: Serotonin plays a role in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular tone.
6. Platelet aggregation: Serotonin released from platelets promotes platelet aggregation and is involved in the formation of blood clots.
Serotonin mediates its effects through a family of 14 receptor subtypes, which are classified into seven families (5-HT1-7) based on their structural and functional properties. These receptors are widely expressed in the brain and other tissues and are involved in mediating the diverse physiological effects of serotonin. Some of the major serotonin receptor subtypes and their physiological roles include:
1. 5-HT1A receptor: Regulates mood, anxiety, and cognition.
2. 5-HT2A receptor: Mediates the hallucinogenic effects of certain drugs, regulates mood, and is involved in pain perception.
3. 5-HT3 receptor: Involved in regulating nausea and vomiting.
4. 5-HT4 receptor: Regulates gut motility and secretion.
5. 5-HT6 receptor: Involved in regulating cognition and memory.
6. 5-HT7 receptor: Involved in regulating mood, cognition, and circadian rhythms.
The physiological roles of serotonin and its receptors are complex and multifaceted, and dysregulation of serotonin signaling has been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric and other disorders.
