Definition of serotonin

Serotonin (also known as serotonin) for the monoamine neurotransmitter, tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase into serotonin, and then by 5-hydroxy ammonia Acid decarboxylase synthesis in the central neurons and animals (including human) digestive tract of enterochromaffin cells. Serotonin in the brain content of 2% of the total, Jiucheng in mucosal intestinal Luo cell and myenteric plexus, involved in the regulation of bowel movements. And the intestinal mucosa into the blood of the serotonin is mainly uptake of platelets. 8%-9% in the platelets. Platelets from the neuroectodermal development, can be seen as walkingserotonin nerve endings, or the expansion of the serotonin vesicles, with uptake and storage of serotonin function. Because serotonin can not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the central and peripheral can be regarded as two independent systems.

Many fungi and plants contain serotonin, and humans must obtain tryptophan by food.

The effects of serotonin are related to multiple physiological systems, especially with the level of awakening, sleep-wake cycle, mood food and sexual behavior. Animal experiments have shown that when the increased content of serotonin in animals, animal attack behavior significantly reduced each other.

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, found in the earliest serum, widely found in mammalian tissue, in the cerebral cortex and nerve synapse content is high. In peripheral tissues, serotonin is a strong vasoconstrictor and smooth muscle contraction stimulant. Serotonin also enhances memory and protects neurons from "neurotoxic" excitotoxicity. Such as glutamate on the damaged nerve cells are very toxic, so sufficient in the aging process of serotonin to prevent brain damage occurred.

Mechanism of Serotonin Action

The nucleus raphe magnus in the brainstem is the largest nucleus ofserotonin neurons in mammalian brain. The cerebral cortex is the main projection area, and the nerve fibers projecting to the frontal cortex are the most dense. As well as the frontal lobe cortex and motor cortex, the main projection from the dorsal raphe nucleus. The serotonin neurons in the median suture and dorsal raphe nucleus contain highly parallel nerve fibers that are projected onto multiple terminal domains. This suggests that the nuclei that are functionally related may project from the same set ofserotonin neurons or even the same neuron. The modern classification ofserotonin receptors is based on its structural features and the use of a second messenger system. serotonin must be mediated by the corresponding receptor can produce a role. serotonin receptor complex, seven subtypes of serotonin receptors have been identified.

Only serotonin3 receptors were coupled to the ligand-gated channel ion channels, and the remaining six were coupled to G proteins. Their structures consisted of seven transmembrane segments, three cytoplasmic rings and three extracellular loops . 5-H may have different pharmacological effects by agonizing different serotonin receptors.

1. The cardiovascular system is complex. Intravenous injection of micrograms of serotonin may cause a three-phase response to blood pressure: (1).a transient decrease in serotonin-induced serotonin3 receptor-induced cardiac negative frequency effects; (2). sustained a few minutes of hypertension, serotonin stimulation of serotonin2 receptor, causing kidney, lung and other tissue vasoconstriction caused by; (3).prolonged hypotension, is caused by relaxation of skeletal muscle vasodilation, the need for vascular endothelial cells involved. In addition,serotonin agonized platelet serotonin2 receptor, can cause platelet aggregation.

Smooth muscle serotonin-induced gastrointestinal smooth muscleserotonin2 receptor or intestine ganglion cells serotonin4 receptor can cause gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction, increased gastrointestinal tract tension, intestinal peristalsis; serotonin can still be excited bronchial smooth muscle, asthma patients are particularly sensitive to it, but less affected by the normal.

3. Intracerebroventricular injection of serotonin in the nervous system can cause sedation, lethargy and a series of behavioral responses, and affect body temperature regulation and motor function. Insect bite and some plant stings stimulate the release of serotonin, acting on the sensory nerve endings, causing itching, pain. serotonin itself has no clinical value.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used clinically to increase the concentration ofserotonin in the synaptic space to treat depression, forcing many psychiatric symptoms. But there is the risk of triggering serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin deficiency

Many health problems are associated with low levels of serotonin in the brain. There are many causes of serotonin reduction, including stress, lack of sleep, malnutrition and lack of exercise. When the number is reduced to below the required number of people, there will be problems such as concentration difficulties, will indirectly affect individual planning and organizational capacity. This condition is often accompanied by stress and boredom, and if serotonin levels fall further, it can cause depression.

Other problems associated with decreased serotonin levels in the brain include irritability, anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain, and restlessness. Without preventive measures, these problems worsen over time and eventually lead to diseases such as obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and hypomanic depression. Patients may experience unwanted aggression and mood swings.

Method of Increase serotonin

It is important to maintain the balance of brain serotonin levels. Serotonin deficiency, it is necessary to replenish. Methods to increase this element include consumption of foods rich in amino acids, and administration of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Serotonin is produced by an amino acid called tryptophan, and many foods contain it. Therefore, a simple way is to eat more amino acids (especially tryptophan) content of food.

The study found that meat and nuts and other protein-rich foods can improve brain serotonin levels.

Bright light also helps improve serotonin levels. Although there is no scientific evidence, but increased sunshine time on the body secretion of serotonin is necessary. Some studies have also found that exercise also helps increase the amount of tryptophan in the brain, which ultimately helps increase serotonin secretion.

Carbohydrates also help improve the body's serotonin levels. Eggs, bananas and walnuts and other carbohydrate-rich foods can improve serotonin levels.

In extreme cases, serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be used to help the brain get enough serotonin.