Articles tagged with Serotonin
Research from University of Virginia Health System suggests antidepressants can heighten lifelong brain changes in babies, such as autism, when combined with infection or inflammation during pregnancy. SSRIs interact powerfully with the mother's body, causing harmful changes in the placenta and developing brain.
Researchers at McMaster University found that long-term consumption of Allura Red AC can harm gut health and promote inflammation. The study suggests a link between the synthetic food dye and inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers found reduced serotonin release capacity in individuals with depression, suggesting a blunted serotonin system. The study used novel imaging techniques to measure serotonin levels in the brain, providing crucial insights into the pathology of depression.
A new theory proposes that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be caused by the body's inability to manage gravity. The hypothesis suggests that gravity can compress the spine, decrease flexibility, and cause organs to shift downward, leading to IBS symptoms.
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
Researchers have identified potential new lead compounds for treating depression and anxiety disorders, which display reduced risk of drug abuse and adverse effects. These substances, derived from synthetic cathinone compounds, are known to release serotonin without significantly increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method to control mosquito populations by altering the frequency of sound that males listen for. By using serotonin-inhibiting compounds, they reduced the range of frequencies males respond to and their response itself.
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.
Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have discovered a new type of synapse between neurons and their primary cilia, which allows for long-term changes in the cell's chromatin. This discovery could help scientists better understand how cells communicate and may lead to the development of more selective medications.
New research from Flinders University found a molecular link between COVID-19 and serotonin cells in the gut. The study suggests that these cells synthesise and release serotonin, which is highly enriched for SARS-CoV-2 receptors, potentially worsening disease outcomes.
A study found that inactivating a specific protein complex, PRC2, leads to impaired gene silencing and loss of neurotransmitter production in nerve cells. This is linked to Parkinson's disease-like symptoms and mental health problems.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Tel Aviv University are investigating the connection between neuroimmune serotonergic interactions and Alzheimer's-related mood disorders. By studying mice with AD-linked mutations, they aim to determine if immune-serotonin crosstalk plays a role in depressive traits.
A new neurosurgical procedure has been deemed safe for measuring dopamine and serotonin in the human brain. The study, published in PLOS One, found no significant increase in infection rates among patients who underwent the procedure.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.
A comprehensive review of research on serotonin and depression found no link between the two, contradicting long-held theories. The study suggests that antidepressants' effectiveness may be due to managing stressful life events rather than correcting chemical imbalances.
Researchers found that increasing serotonin levels in mosquito blood reduces their flight speed and motivation to seek second blood meals, making them less efficient vectors of malaria parasites. This discovery provides a promising new avenue for insect-targeted interventions to prevent malaria transmission.
A new study found that cashew stem bark extract inhibits abnormal gut motility associated with diarrhea, revealing a potential low-cost remedy for treating and managing the condition. The extract's mechanism of action involves blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors responsible for gastrointestinal motility.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation can significantly increase serotonin 2A receptors in the brain within hours, which may influence schizophrenia symptoms. This discovery suggests environmental stressors could alter the balance of brain receptors controlled by antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers discovered a brain circuit that enables C. elegans worms to switch between foraging and feasting behaviors based on sensory information. The circuit involves a key neuron called AIA, which integrates food odor signals to influence the behavior.
A new review in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the relationship between serotonin and calcium metabolism in dairy cows, highlighting its importance in maintaining calcium balance. Research shows that mammary serotonin drives hormone production that modulates mammary calcium transport.
Researchers investigated the association between COVID-19 and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), analyzing electronic health records of over 83,000 patients. The study found a significant lower risk of death among patients with COVID-19 prescribed SSRIs.
A large US-based analysis of electronic health records found that people taking SSRI antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die from COVID-19. The results add to evidence suggesting SSRIs may have beneficial effects against the worst symptoms of COVID-19.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that patients with high expectations of SSRI treatment showed a four times higher improvement rate compared to those with low expectations. The effect was attributed to the influence of dopamine on the brain's reward pathways.
Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.
A study on red junglefowl chicks found that early experiences can affect impulsivity, contradicting initial expectations. The researchers also discovered a link between gene expression and impulsivity, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to individual differences in impulsive behavior.
Researchers link sleep problems in autism to glial cells, blood-brain barrier, and serotonin, finding that high levels of serotonin cause sleep fragmentation. The study suggests a potential treatment for adults with autism-related sleep disorders.
Higher levels of interleukin 1β in an aggression-related brain region lead to fewer aggressive behaviors in mice, likely via its effects on serotonin neurons. The study suggests that interleukin 1β and serotonin neurons might be potential drug targets for reducing aggression.
After cognitive behavioral therapy, serotonin transporter levels increased in individuals recovering from depression. This finding suggests that the serotonin system may play a role in protecting against depression, rather than causing it.
A new compound AAZ-A-154 has been identified with potential to act on beneficial pathways in the brain without hallucinogenic effects. The discovery was made possible by a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor called psychLight that screens for hallucinogenic potential.
A large study found that people taking antidepressants were no more likely to have an intracerebral hemorrhage than those who didn't take such medications. Researchers analyzed data from over 127,000 stroke patients and found a slight decrease in risk associated with antidepressant use.
A new study reveals that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other conventional antidepressants boost BDNF signalling by binding to its TrkB receptor. This finding challenges the primary role of serotonin or glutamate receptors in the effects of antidepressants.
Researchers found that an enriched diet and companionship can reduce pain in mice with sickle cell disease by increasing serotonin levels. Duloxetine, an antidepressant boosting serotonin, also showed similar pain-reducing effects.
Researchers used machine learning to redesign a bacterial protein into a highly sensitive sensor that can monitor brain serotonin levels in real time. The new sensor detected subtle changes in serotonin signaling during sleep, fear, and social interactions, as well as testing the effectiveness of new psychoactive drugs.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mice without gut microbes had altered sleep patterns, including increased REM and non-REM sleep episodes. The researchers discovered that gut microbes play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Researchers found that serotonin release in these areas increases waiting time, particularly when reward timing is uncertain. A computational model explains the mice's behavior by predicting reward delivery timing and estimating probability.
Researchers found that serotonin can stimulate the production of basal progenitor cells in the fetal human brain, potentially contributing to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex. This new function of serotonin may help explain the development of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing an ingestible capsule that can monitor and model gut microbiome serotonin activity. The platform provides access to the specific site of serotonin production, allowing for real-time processing and neurological effects assessment.
Researchers have identified STAT3 as an important factor in emotional reactivity, establishing a link between the immune system, serotonergic transmission, and affective disorders. STAT3 deficiency reduces emotional reactivity in mice, suggesting its role as a molecular mediator in regulating emotional behavior.
Researchers recorded real-time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in patients' brains during tasks, revealing that serotonin levels increased with uncertainty and decreased with confidence. The study provides insight into how dopamine and serotonin regulate perception, decision-making, and cognition, potentially leading to improv...
Researchers have found that dopamine and serotonin, traditionally linked to reward processing, also integrate perceptions with actions, influencing how people perceive the world. This discovery could provide new insights into psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have made significant progress in understanding the role of serotonin in autism. The study found that a specific mutation in the serotonin transporter protein can lead to altered serotonin levels and behavior changes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of autism. Further work is neede...
Research team found that gut Piezo1 stimulates serotonin production in enterochromaffin cells, regulating gut and bone health. Serotonin is critical for gut function, emotion regulation, and blood pressure control.
Research suggests serotonin can reduce the ability of certain intestinal pathogens to cause deadly infections by reducing gene expression and preventing bacterial colonization. The study found that mice overproducing serotonin were less likely to become infected with a deadly mouse gut bacterium.
A recent study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that high-fat diets change the nutrient-sensing capacity of Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in mice, leading to increased serotonin levels and potential implications for obesity and type 2 diabetes
A study found an association between SSRI treatment and violent crime in adults and adolescents, with a significant increase during treated periods. The risk persisted for up to 12 weeks after stopping SSRI treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this potential side effect.
Scientists from GIST developed a novel peripheral serotonin antagonist, which showed promising results in obese mice with impaired liver function. The compound improved symptoms of fatty liver disease and reduced body fat. Researchers hope the drug candidate will offer relief to patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Female roundworms release serotonin when sensing danger, passing warning signals to eggs and future offspring. This mechanism protects the young from harm, increasing birth rates and survival success.
Research in marmosets suggests that increased levels of serotonin transporters in the amygdala may contribute to trait anxiety. Targeting this region with anti-anxiety medication, such as SSRIs, could provide faster symptom relief.
A team of scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that distinct serotonergic receptor types control the gain of both streams of information in a separable manner. This finding may facilitate new concepts of diagnosis and therapy for neuronal disorders related to malfunction of the serotonin system.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a substance, Lu AF60097, that can regulate serotonin levels in the brain and reduce severe side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. This new approach may allow for more effective treatment of severe depression while minimizing potential harm.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute will employ a nematode worm model to understand how serotonin modulates brain states and behavior. They aim to map out which combinations of serotonin receptors mediate its effects on behavior and analyze how serotonin alters whole-brain activity.
Researchers found bisphenol S, a BPA alternative, can negatively affect the placenta and potentially a developing baby's brain. This chemical can lower serotonin production, compromising fetal brain development.
Research on mice suggests that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in brain activity and sensory processing. The study found abnormal brain activity in sensory areas of fluoxetine-exposed mice when stimulated with their front paws.
Researchers found that rats susceptible to depression had more serotonin neurons after chronic stress, but these effects could be reversed through amygdala activation. In contrast, resilient rats showed no significant change in serotonin levels under stressful conditions.
A Columbia University study finds that serotonin is the chemical that drives a fly's startle response, causing it to freeze momentarily. The research provides insights into the biology of this ubiquitous phenomenon and offers clues about what may happen in human bodies when we get startled.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to detect neurotransmitters at extremely low concentrations using an electrochemical approach. This breakthrough could lead to early detection of diseases such as depression and Alzheimer's, allowing for more effective treatment.
Research reveals that human medicines influencing serotonin and dopamine systems alter the boldness and explorative behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks, highlighting potential consequences for aquatic ecosystems. The study confirms the role of these signal substances in individual personality differences and stress resilience.
A world first study reveals how gut bacteria influence blood sugar levels by communicating with cells producing serotonin in the host body. The microbiome worsens metabolism by driving up serotonin levels, leading to significant metabolic problems.