serotonin (redirected from Serotonergic system)

serotonin /sero·to·nin/ (ser″o-to´nin) a hormone and neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), found in many tissues, including blood platelets, intestinal mucosa, the pineal body, and the central nervous system; it has many physiologic properties including inhibition of gastric secretion, stimulation of smooth muscles, and production of vasoconstriction.

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se·ro·to·nin (sr-tnn, sîr-)

n.

An organic compound formed from tryptophan and found in animal and human tissue, especially the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membranes, and active in vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles, transmission of impulses between nerve cells, and regulation of cyclic body processes. Also called 5-hydroxytryptamine.

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Serotonin

A chemical produced by the brain that functions as a neurotransmitter. Low serotonin levels are associated with mood disorders, particularly depression. Medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat BDD and other disorders characterized by depressed mood.

Mentioned in: Antidepressant Drugs, SSRI, Antidepressants, Tricyclic, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Mood Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Premenstrual Syndrome, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Sildenafil Citrate, Suicide, Weight Loss Drugs

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serotonin

[ser′ətō′nin, sir′-]

Etymology: L, serum + Gk, tonos, tone

a naturally occurring derivative of tryptophan found in platelets and in cells of the brain and the intestine. Serotonin is released from platelets on damage to the blood vessel walls. It acts as a potent vasoconstrictor. Serotonin in intestinal tissue stimulates the smooth muscle to contract. In the central nervous system, it acts as a neurotransmitter. Lysergic acid diethylamide interferes with the action of serotonin in the brain. The normal concentration of serotonin in the urine is 0.05 to 0.2 μg/mL. Also called 5-hydroxytryptamine.

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serotonin (sirˑ··tōˈ·nin),

n neuroendocrine chemical responsible for reducing irritability, depression, and brain function.

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serotonin (ser´tō´nin),

n (enteramine, thrombocytin), a local vasoconstrictor (5-hydroxytryptamine) and general hypotensive agent synthesized from tryptophan and found in tissues, rather than being transferred by blood to sites of action. Most serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, although the kidney, liver, and brain also produce it. It is absorbed by platelets from the site of tissue damage, where it aids hemostasis locally by vasoconstriction and systemically by reducing blood pressure.

serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective (SSRI),

n.pl. a class of antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, or voxamine.

serotonin serozyme

n See factor VII.

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serotonin

a hormone and neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), found in many tissues, including blood platelets, intestinal mucosa, pineal body and central nervous system; it has many physiological properties, including inhibition of gastric secretion, stimulation of smooth muscles and production of vasoconstriction.

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selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

a group of compounds inhibiting serotonin reuptake in presynaptic neurons of the central nervous system; used in the treatment of mental disorders.