5-HT

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5-HT

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 7, 2020

How serotonin balances communication within the brain

Study reveals how serotonin plays a key role in the scaling of current sensory input and outgoing brain signals. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 6, 2019

How serotonin and a popular anti-depressant affect the gut’s microbiota

Serotonin and SSRIs like Prozac can have a major effect on gut bacteria. When exposed to serotonin, specific gut bacteria grew to higher levels. However, when exposed to SSRIs, the bacterium grew to much lower levels in mouse models. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2019

Settling the debate on serotonin’s role in sleep

Serotonin produced by the raphe is critical for sleep in both mice and zebrafish. The firing of neurons in the raphe and the release of serotonin may help the brain build up better sleep pressure. The results may explain why some sleep-related side effects of antidepressants increase serotonin in the brain. Read More

This is a computerized reconstruction of a serotonin molecule

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·June 19, 2019

Serotonin linked to somatic awareness, a condition long thought to be imaginary

Somatic awareness, a condition previously believed to be of psychological origin, is connected to a common genetic variant. The mutation leads to the malfunctioning of an enzyme critical for serotonin production. Read More

This shows a diagram of how the drug works

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2019

Diabetes drug alleviates anxiety in mice

Metformin, a common diabetes medication, shows promise for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Read More

This shows a person holding his tummy as if in pain

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2019

Study explains why a moody gut often accompanies depression

Mice with a genetic mutation linked to severe depression had impaired ability for neurons in the gut and brain to create serotonin. The reduction of serotonin in the gut led to a deterioration in the gut's lining, slowing the movement of contents through the GI tract and resulting in constipation. However, treatment with 5-HTP increased neurogenesis in the gut, restoring normal function. Read More

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 30, 2019

Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study

A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory. Read More

This shows a model of the melotonin receptors

Featured Neuroscience

·April 24, 2019

A good night’s sleep may be in sight: New 3D models of melatonin receptors shed light on sleep disorders

Researchers have created new 3D maps of two melatonin receptors. The models can be used to help develop new treatments that not only improve sleep, but may also treat a variety of other conditions from diabetes to cancer. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·March 22, 2019

When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work

Differences in serotonergic neuron morphology, along with altered gene expression have been identified in patients with MDD. The findings shed light on why some patients do not respond to SSRI antidepressants. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 14, 2019

Serotonin Can Directly Regulate Gene Expression Inside Brain Cells

Serotonin can chemically attach to histone proteins in the cell nucleus to help regulate gene expression. The findings may provide a better understanding of an array of psychological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 26, 2018

How LSD Changes Perception

Researchers report LSD triggers a reduction in functional connection between areas of the brain that govern cognitive processes, while increasing connectivity in brain networks associated with sensory functions. Read More

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 8, 2018

Specific Brain Circuits Tied to Sociability: Mouse Study

A new study implicates serotonin neurons in the nucleus accumbens with social behavior in mouse models of ASD. When serotonin release was triggered, researchers noted social behaviors normalized. Read More

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