What does serotonin mean?

Definitions for serotonin
ˌsɛr əˈtoʊ nɪn, ˌsɪər-sero·tonin

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word serotonin.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptaminenoun

    a neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory

Wiktionary

  1. serotoninnoun

    An indoleamine neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine, that is involved in depression, appetite, etc., and is crucial in maintaining a sense of well-being, security, etc.

  2. Etymology: From sero- + tonic + -in.

Wikipedia

  1. Serotonin

    Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction. Approximately 90% of the serotonin that the body produces is in the intestinal tract.Biochemically, the indoleamine molecule derives from the amino acid tryptophan, via the (rate-limiting) hydroxylation of the 5 position on the ring (forming the intermediate 5-hydroxytryptophan), and then decarboxylation to produce serotonin. Serotonin is primarily found in the enteric nervous system located in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). However, it is also produced in the central nervous system (CNS), specifically in the raphe nuclei located in the brainstem, Merkel cells located in the skin, pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and taste receptor cells in the tongue. Additionally, serotonin is stored in blood platelets and is released during agitation and vasoconstriction, where it then acts as an agonist to other platelets.Approximately 90% of the human body's total serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells in the GI tract, where it regulates intestinal movements. About 8% is found in platelets and 1–2% in the CNS. The serotonin is secreted luminally and basolaterally, which leads to increased serotonin uptake by circulating platelets and activation after stimulation, which gives increased stimulation of myenteric neurons and gastrointestinal motility. The remainder is synthesized in serotonergic neurons of the CNS, where it has various functions. These include the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin also has some cognitive functions, including memory and learning. Several classes of antidepressants, such as the SSRIs and the SNRIs among others, interfere with the normal reabsorption of serotonin after it is done with the transmission of the signal, therefore augmenting the neurotransmitter levels in the synapses. 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 can serve as a vasoconstrictor or a vasodilator while regulating hemostasis and blood clotting. In high concentrations, serotonin acts as a vasoconstrictor by contracting endothelial smooth muscle directly or by potentiating the effects of other vasoconstrictors (e.g. angiotensin II, norepinephrine). The vasoconstrictive property is mostly seen in pathologic states affecting the endothelium – such as atherosclerosis or chronic hypertension. In physiologic states, vasodilation occurs through the serotonin mediated release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells. Additionally, it inhibits the release of norepinephrine from adrenergic nerves. Serotonin is also a growth factor for some types of cells, which may give it a role in wound healing. There are various serotonin receptors. Serotonin is metabolized mainly to 5-HIAA, chiefly by the liver. Metabolism involves first oxidation by monoamine oxidase to the corresponding aldehyde. The rate-limiting step is hydride transfer from serotonin to the flavin cofactor. There follows oxidation by aldehyde dehydrogenase to 5-HIAA, the indole acetic-acid derivative. The latter is then excreted by the kidneys. Besides mammals, serotonin is found in all bilateral animals including worms and insects, as well as in fungi and in plants. Serotonin's presence in insect venoms and plant spines serves to cause pain, which is a side-effect of serotonin injection. Serotonin is produced by pathogenic amoebae, and its effect in the human gut is diarrhea. Its widespread presence in many seeds and fruits may serve to stimulate the digestive tract into expelling the seeds.

ChatGPT

  1. serotonin

    Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter produced by nerve cells in the brain that transmits signals between these cells. It contributes to the well-being and happiness, as well as helping regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles and internal clock. Abnormal serotonin levels have been associated with several conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Wikidata

  1. Serotonin

    Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Biochemically derived from tryptophan, serotonin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and in the central nervous system of animals and humans. It is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness. Approximately 90% of the human body's total serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells in the alimentary canal, where it is used to regulate intestinal movements. The remainder is synthesized in serotonergic neurons of the CNS, where it has various functions. These include the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin also has some cognitive functions, including memory and learning. Modulation of serotonin at synapses is thought to be a major action of several classes of pharmacological antidepressants. 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 disgorge serotonin, where it serves as a vasoconstrictor and helps to regulate hemostasis and blood clotting. Serotonin also is a growth factor for some types of cells, which may give it a role in wound healing.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Serotonin

    A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator.

Editors Contribution

  1. serotonin

    A type of neurotransmitter created in moderation within a living organism and the brain and body of an animal or human being.

    Serotonin is found in the human body, in animals and plants, it is found in bananas and chocolate too.


    Submitted by MaryC on January 24, 2016  

Suggested Resources

  1. serotonin

    Song lyrics by serotonin -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by serotonin on the Lyrics.com website.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of serotonin in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of serotonin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

Examples of serotonin in a Sentence

  1. Kaleigh McMordie:

    Walnuts contain several nutrients that promote good sleep, such as melatonin, serotonin, and magnesium. Studies show that eating walnuts increases melatonin in the blood, making walnuts a great bedtime snack, walnuts are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Animal studies in rats have shown that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can alter several neurotransmitter pathways, including that of serotonin, affecting depression, anxiety, and sleep.

  2. Ray Casciari:

    Lack of water affects your body's serotonin levels, which can give you headaches.

  3. Kaleigh McMordie:

    Salmon and other fatty fish are high in both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both of which can improve sleep quality by promoting serotonin production. In one study, men who ate salmon three times a week fell asleep faster and reported better daily functioning than those who ate chicken, beef, or pork.

  4. Jordan Peterson:

    So, attend carefully to your posture. Quit drooping and hunching around. Speak your mind. Put your desires forward, as if you had a right to them — at least the same right as others. Walk tall and gaze forthrightly ahead. Dare to be dangerous. Encourage the serotonin to flow plentifully through neural pathways desperate for its calming influence.

  5. Jaime Mass:

    Components found in ginger, such as galanolactone, may act via the central nervous system to affect serotonin levels and alleviate nausea, in fact, the compound acts on the same pathway as some common anti-nausea remedies.

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Translations for serotonin

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"serotonin." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/serotonin>.

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