A new study describes the role serotonin plays in brain development.
According to researchers, gut serotonin levels are doubled in obese people. Researchers report obesity may be characterized by an increased capacity to release and produce serotonin in the gut.
Researchers have identified two groups of serotonin neurons that may help to suppress aggression in mice.
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.
Researchers discover elevated levels of TG2 in the prefrontal cortex of people who committed suicide.
A new study reinforces the idea that serotonin, a molecule associated with mood, directly contributes to the actions of cocaine.
Neuroimaging revealed serotonin transporter levels increased in people who were in recovery from depression following cognitive behavioral therapy.
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.
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.
A new paper may help answer some questions as to why some infants die suddenly. Looking at blood samples from infants who had died of SIDS, researchers discover 31% of the children had elevated levels of serotonin. The researchers concluded that abnormal serotonin metabolism could indicate an underlying vulnerability that increases SIDS risk.
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.
Researchers look at how sensory organs in the skin work, The findings may help solve certain sensory pain disorders.
