Transmembrane Signaling in the Brain by Serotonin, A Key Regulator of Physiology and Emotion. Issue 5 (12th October 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adayev, Tatyana; Ranasinghe, Buddima; Banerjee, Probal
• Is Part Of: Bioscience reports. Volume 25:Issue 5/6(2005)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2005-10-12
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1007/s10540-005-2896-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8463

Abstract

Abstract : Serotonin (5-HT) is an ancient chemical that plays a crucial functional role in almost every living organism. It regulates platelet aggregation, activation of immune cells, and contraction of stomach and intestinal muscles. In addition, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and the peripheral nervous system. These activities are initiated by the binding of serotonin to 15 or more receptors that are pharmacologically classified into seven groups, 5-HT1 through 5-HT7 . Each group is further divided into subgroups of receptors that are homologous but are encoded by discrete genes. With the exception of the 5-HT3 receptor-a cation channel—all of the others are G protein-coupled receptors that potentially activate or inhibit a large number of biochemical cascades. This review will endeavor to compare and contrast such signaling pathways with special attention to their tissue-specific occurrence, their possible role in immediate effects on covalent modification of other proteins, and relatively slower effects on gene expression, physiology and behavior.