serotonin

Thân thiện

A scientist points to a diagram of a serotonin molecule on a whiteboard.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Noun

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• 5-hydroxytryptamine