serotonin
Definition
- Noun:
- A neurotransmitter: Serotonin is a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse (the gap between nerve cells). It is primarily found in the brain, blood platelets, and the digestive tract.
- Involved in physiological processes: It plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions and states, including mood, sleep, appetite, learning, and memory.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Low levels of serotonin are often associated with feelings of depression.
- The medication works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain.
- Serotonin is crucial for maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Advanced Usage
- "Serotonin syndrome": A potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin. It is usually caused by combining medications that increase serotonin levels.
- The doctor warned about the risk of serotonin syndrome when taking the two drugs together.
Variants and Related Words
- Serotonergic (adj): Relating to, releasing, or involving serotonin in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Many antidepressants are serotonergic agents.
Synonyms
- 5-HT (5-Hydroxytryptamine): This is the biochemical name for serotonin.
- Neurotransmitter: This is the general category to which serotonin belongs.
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI): A type of drug that increases serotonin levels by preventing its reabsorption into nerve cells. A common subtype is the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).
- Fluoxetine is a well-known serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
- Serotonin receptor: A protein on the surface of cells that serotonin binds to in order to exert its effects.
- Different serotonin receptors mediate different functions in the body.
Noun
-
a neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory
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