Serotonin. Serotonin /ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnɨn/ or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter.
Biochemically derived from tryptophan, serotonin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), platelets, and the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, including humans. It is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.[6] Serotonin secreted from the enterochromaffin cells eventually finds its way out of tissues into the blood.
There, it is actively taken up by blood platelets, which store it. When the platelets bind to a clot, they release serotonin, where it serves as a vasoconstrictor and helps to regulate hemostasis and blood clotting. Serotonylation. Functions[edit] Serotonylation is the process by which serotonin effects the exocytosis of alpha-granules from platelet-forming cells (also known as thrombocytes).[1] This involves the serotonylation of small GTPases such as Rab4 and RhoA.
It has been suggested that "further understanding of the specific hormonal role of 5-HT in hemostasis and thrombosis is important to possibly prevent and treat deleterious hemorrhagic and cardiovascular disorders. "[1] Serotonylation has recently identified as playing a critical role in pulmonary hypertension.[2] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor[1] (SSRIs) are a class of compounds typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders.
SSRIs are believed to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, increasing the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. They have varying degrees of selectivity for the other monoamine transporters, with pure SSRIs having only weak affinity for the noradrenaline and dopamine transporter.
Medical uses[edit] The main indication for SSRIs is major depressive disorder (also called "major depression", "clinical depression" and often simply "depression"). Depression[edit]