Articles tagged with Serotonin
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Researchers at King's College London have identified the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease in the brain, many years before symptoms appear. The study found changes to the serotonin system as a key early warning signal for the disease.
Researchers found that metformin reduces anxiety-like behaviors in male mice by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. This increase was accompanied by improved neurotransmission in the hippocampus and lower levels of amino acids that impair serotonin production.
A research team at DGIST discovered that changes in hippo campal mossy cells play a crucial role in the treatment efficacy of serotoninergic antidepressants. This finding contributes to the development of next-generation antidepressants with enhanced effects and speed.
A recent study found that consuming whole grain rye led to lower plasma serotonin levels compared to low-fibre wheat bread, suggesting a link between whole grains and improved health. The study also identified changes in metabolite profiles and increased levels of certain phytochemicals in the bloodstream.
Serotonin enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular respiration, and ATP production, reducing reactive oxygen species and stress damage in neurons. The study identifies serotonin as a potential therapeutic target for treating mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, with implications for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
A new study found that a serotonin shortage in the gut can cause constipation, similar to depression, and that treatment increasing serotonin levels may alleviate both conditions. The research suggests that slow-release 5-HTP therapies could treat related brain-gut disorders.
A new study suggests that consuming a variety of protein sources, rather than relying on a single type, can have numerous health benefits. The research found that excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from popular protein powders may reduce lifespan and negatively impact mood and weight gain.
Scientists have discovered the three major shapes of the serotonin transporter using cryo-EM technology. The study provides new avenues for developing medications to treat addiction without hallucinogenic properties.
Salk Institute researchers found altered neuron growth patterns and low levels of key genes in SSRI non-responders, leading to abnormal neuronal communication. This discovery provides new insights into the complex neural circuitry underlying depression.
Researchers found that serotonin molecules can directly attach to histone proteins in neurons, loosening the DNA spool and enabling more robust gene expression. This discovery has significant implications for understanding brain disorders and developing new treatments.
Researchers have found a link between autism, serotonin levels and digestive issues in zebrafish. By replicating a mutation in the SHANK3 gene, they discovered a drastic reduction in serotonin-producing cells, which may lead to treatments for gastrointestinal symptoms.
Researchers found that neurons from patients with depression who don't respond to SSRIs are hyperactive in the presence of serotonin, a key player in neurotransmission. Targeting specific serotonin receptors may offer an alternative treatment for these patients.
A new Cornell study reveals that serotonin neurons play a crucial role in the brain's ability to make appropriate decisions during emergency situations. In high-threat situations, stimulating these neurons elicits escape attempts, while in lower threat environments, they cause pausing.
A study by researchers at Linköping University found that human pharmaceuticals altering serotonin levels change cricket activity and aggression. Crickets exposed to these drugs showed decreased activity and aggression compared to those with no exposure.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine used high-tech microscopes to view serotonin activating its receptor for the first time. The study highlights distinct conformations of the receptor that could lead to more precise drugs targeting specific regions or functions of serotonin receptors.
A new study suggests that serotonin-producing neurons contribute to the fail-safe mechanism that ensures recovery from interrupted breathing, which may be disrupted in SIDS cases. The research found that mice with inhibited serotonin neurons had weaker breathing recovery and more instances of sudden death.
The article examines the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in increased risk of gestational malformations. SSRIs can disrupt embryonic development by affecting serotonin levels and ion channel activity, highlighting the importance of serotonin in normal embryonic development.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have identified a brain-signaling pathway that can be manipulated to reverse autism-related changes in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests a novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by targeting an enzyme associated with stress and inflammation.
Researchers found that the gene sequence for serotonin uptake is nearly identical in human and octopus genomes, suggesting serotonin regulates social behavior in both species. The study used MDMA to enhance prosocial behaviors in octopuses, mirroring its effects on humans.
Researchers found that octopuses, which are typically solitary and asocial, become more interested in interacting with each other when under the influence of MDMA. The study suggests that common molecular pathways enable serotonin to encode social behaviors in both humans and octopuses.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method for tracking brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The system uses tiny artificial receptors paired with semiconductor devices that can function in living tissue.
Researchers found that releasing serotonin in a specific part of the brain enhanced social behavior in mice, providing insights into autism spectrum disorder and potentially leading to new treatments. The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit could ameliorate social deficits in individuals with these disorders.
Research published in eNeuro suggests that cannabidiol can prevent nausea in rats by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. The findings implicate the endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating nausea, opening up new therapeutic opportunities.
A mother's presence can modulate serotonin levels in her pup's developing brain, according to a rat study published in eNeuro. The research found that maternal care increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region rich in serotonin receptors.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that serotonin plays a crucial role in learning by influencing an animal's decision-making strategies. When the interval between trials was short, mice relied on their working memory, while longer intervals activated their long-term memory, allowing them to learn from past rewar...
Researchers developed a computational model that found serotonin boosts learning rates in mice, particularly in slow decision-making systems. The study suggests a possible link between serotonin and cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often effective when combined with SSRIs.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science found mitochondrial dysfunction affects serotonergic neurons in mice with ANT1 mutations, linking the two pathways.
Researchers found that gut microbiota regulates adult enteric nervous system maturation through serotonin networks, potentially impacting gastrointestinal disorders. The study used germ-free mice colonized with normal microbiota to demonstrate this link.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that serotonin levels affect mice behavior when they believe there is a high probability of receiving a reward. When the reward timing was uncertain, serotonin stimulation increased mice's confidence in waiting for the reward, even if it took longer.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a specific serotonin receptor that enhances memory, with drugs targeting this receptor showing promise for boosting cognitive function. The study used optogenetics to demonstrate the role of serotonin in strengthening neural communication and improving spatial memory.
Researchers used electrochemical probes to record simultaneous sub-second fluctuations in dopamine and serotonin during active decision-making in a conscious human subject. Serotonin appears to temper excitement over positive outcomes while softening the potential disappointment of negative outcomes.
A new study suggests that serotonin enhances active persistence in a task, even in the face of uncertainty. This challenges previous ideas about serotonin's role in behavior and may help understand depression treatment.
Researchers studied 19,017 patients in Boston from 2001-2014 who took both triptans and antidepressants. The incidence of serotonin syndrome was found to be extremely low, ranging from 0 to 4 cases per 10,000 person-years.
Researchers at OHSU Vollum Institute discovered the atomic structure of the serotonin transporter bound to SSRIs, revealing a pathway for developing new therapeutic agents. The study provides insight into how chemically diverse antidepressants interact with the protein that transports serotonin in the brain.
Exposure to a widely used flame retardant chemical mixture can disrupt placental function, leading to altered production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This study found evidence of endocrine, inflammatory and neurotransmitter signaling pathway disruption in placentas.
A new study examines how opioids affect proteins in the brain beyond opioid receptors, revealing potential analgesic and toxic effects. The researchers found that certain synthetic opioids inhibit serotonin transporters, which may contribute to their pain-relieving properties but also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Researchers have discovered the first confirmed human case of 2,3-dioxygenase deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder characterized by excessive serotonin levels. The study, led by Aimin Liu at UTSA, uses advanced instrumentation techniques to document the patient's conditions.
Serotonin transporters play a crucial role in regulating serotonin levels, which is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and autism. Altering the regulation of these transporters may provide new treatment options with milder side effects.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that abnormalities in serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, are linked to SIDS deaths. The study found that altered serotonin expression in the brainstem is associated with some SIDS cases.
Researchers propose a revised understanding of serotonin's role in the brain, highlighting its potential to treat recalcitrant mental health conditions through psychedelic drugs. The 'two-pronged' model could enable patients to change negative behaviors and thought patterns.
Researchers found that serotonin can make neurons hyperactive and hypersensitive to stimuli in the brain, worsening tinnitus. The study has implications for treating anxiety or depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may compound feelings of anxiety in patients with tinnitus.
A Johns Hopkins study found that individuals with mild cognitive decline have lower levels of serotonin transporters, suggesting a possible driver of the disease. The research suggests increasing serotonin function may prevent memory loss and slow disease progression.
Researchers at UTSW Medical Center identified a cellular receptor central to the undesirable effects of antipsychotic drugs, which are essential medications for millions worldwide. Co-treating with a weight-loss drug that targets the serotonin 2c receptor prevented weight gain and improved metabolic profiles in mice.
Researchers have identified serotonin's role in inhibiting a specific brain cell type, which may lead to faster-acting and more effective antidepressants. By targeting this protein, scientists hope to develop more targeted treatments with fewer side effects.
A study funded by NIH found that 31% of SIDS infants had elevated serotonin levels in their blood, suggesting an underlying vulnerability to the condition. Researchers propose testing blood samples for serotonin to distinguish SIDS cases from other infant deaths, but caution that more research is needed.
Researchers have identified a key role for serotonin in cocaine's addictive effects, suggesting that the brain chemical may contribute to the development of tolerance and long-term changes in brain function. The study provides new avenues for understanding the complex actions of cocaine and developing effective treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered that specialized gut cells called enterochromaffin (EC) cells sense potentially noxious chemicals and trigger electrical impulses in nearby nerve fibers. This finding could lead to new approaches for treating gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers found that increasing serotonergic activity in a mouse model of autism improved social behavior and reduced abnormal brain activity. The study suggests that serotonin may be potentially therapeutic for discrete ASD symptoms.
A low-glycemic diet has been shown to arrest damage to the retina and halt the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in mice. The study identified potential biomarkers, including AGEs and oxidized fats, that can be used to predict AMD risk.
A recent study led by Kanazawa University has discovered that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus inhibit catalepsy by reducing activities of the amygdala that controls emotion. This finding provides new insights into the narcolepsy mechanism and holds promise for developing new therapies for cataplexy.
Researchers found that a specific gene enables the even distribution of serotonin in the brain, but its absence leads to tangled neuronal branches and signs of depression. This discovery offers new avenues for studying psychiatric disorders associated with serotonin imbalance.
New studies published in JAMA Network report no increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. The research suggests alternative explanations for previous findings may be responsible.
A University of Kansas researcher suggests a possible therapeutic intervention for chemobrain, a cognitive impairment plaguing up to a third of cancer patients following chemotherapy. The study found that KU-32 prevents cognitive decline in rats caused by chemotherapy treatment by inducing the heat shock response.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.
A study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience confirms that lorcaserin decreases the urge to use opiates like oxycodone, reducing use and craving. The researchers found that lorcaserin alters serotonin signaling to reduce cue reactivity associated with opiate use.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transporters after a seven-day spiritual retreat, leading to increased positive emotions and self-transcendence. The study suggests that such retreats could prime the brain for spiritual experiences.
New research suggests that serotonin facilitates adaptation to environmental changes, which may indirectly impact mood. Serotonin-producing neurons exhibit a surprise spike in activity when rules are suddenly reversed, signaling altered circumstances.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have found evidence for a genetic link to social phobia, with a specific focus on the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4. This gene plays a crucial role in suppressing feelings of anxiety and depressive moods, which are common symptoms of social phobia.
A new study in mice reveals that serotonin affects motivation, but only when animals are exploring their environment. Increasing serotonin levels transiently reduces locomotive speed, while long-term stimulation triggers a second effect leading to increased global activity.
Researchers at TSRI identified a brain hormone called FLP-7 that stimulates fat metabolism without affecting food intake. By studying roundworms and visualizing the hormone in living animals, they found a direct link between serotonin levels in the brain and FLP-7 production, which triggers fat burning in the gut.