Serotonin

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Serotonin or 5-Hydroxytryptamine or 5HT is a monoamine neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan. It is found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets, and the central nervous system.

5-Hydroxytryptophan[edit | edit source]

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) is the precursor to serotonin (5HT).

Function[edit | edit source]

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and is activated by threats to homeostasis. According to Pereira et al. 2021), serotonin is linked to the regulation of:

Serotonin acting drugs[edit | edit source]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most popular class of antidepressants, and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have proved ineffective in ME/CFS.[2][3] SSRIs indiscriminately modulate serotonin.[1]

In human disease[edit | edit source]

ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

The CRFR2 upregulation hypothesis of ME/CFS, which is the theory behind the clinicial trials of CT38, proposes that serotonin is dysregulated in ME/CFS, and that excessive serotonin desensitizes 5HT1A, which then leaves serotonin elevated and a loss of homeostasis.[1]


Notable studies[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]