Articles tagged with Serotonin
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have created a novel method for controlling serotonin receptors using light, which could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. By utilizing optogenetic tools, the scientists were able to modulate mouse emotional behavior and reduce anxiety-like behaviors.
Researchers Rhonda Patrick and Bruce Ames found a causal link between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis, and autism. Dietary interventions with vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids may boost brain serotonin concentrations to prevent and treat symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens has identified a key player in the movement of schistosome parasites: serotonin receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against this parasitic flatworm, which affects millions worldwide and kills an estimated 250,000 people annually.
Researchers found that ketamine increases serotoninergic neurons in brain areas regulating motivation, suggesting its antidepressant action. The PET imaging studies demonstrate the potential of the technology in diagnosing major depressive disorder and developing new antidepressants.
Researchers have found a potential new class of fast-acting antidepressants that could alleviate symptoms in as little as five days, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that birth in mice causes a reduction in serotonin levels, triggering the formation of neural circuits in sensory maps. This finding suggests that birth plays an active role in preparing the newborn for survival outside the womb.
Researchers found a brain-to-body signaling circuit in roundworms that enables weight loss independently of food intake, involving serotonin and octopamine neurotransmitters. The discovery hints at a similar circuit in humans and other mammals, potentially leading to more potent weight-loss therapies combining serotonin and adrenaline.
A study found that short-term smoking cessation improves arterial function and reduces the risk of heart attacks, but doesn't immediately lower serotonin levels. However, longer-term smoking cessation may be needed to completely reverse the damage caused by smoking.
A synthetic compound has been discovered to enhance the effects of SSRIs, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. By blocking secondary 'vacuum cleaners' in the brain, the compound increases serotonin levels, offering new potential targets for treating depression. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers at UTMB are using gene therapy to target the serotonin 2C receptor in the amygdala to prevent abnormal pain generation and treatment resistance. They aim to develop a permanent solution to neuropathic pain, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers found that mice with functional serotonin produce more of this hormone during exercise, increasing cell proliferation in the hippocampus. Serotonin is essential for exercise-induced neurogenesis, while baseline neurogenesis occurs without it.
Patients receiving SSRIs before surgery had higher odds of in-hospital mortality and bleeding events. The study, which included over 530,000 patients, suggests that patient factors or SSRIs themselves may be responsible for the increased risks.
A new study challenges the long-held explanation that depression is caused by insufficient serotonin levels. Instead, researchers found that abnormal communication between brain cells is the root cause of depression. This discovery opens possibilities for new therapies targeting excitatory connections rather than serotonin.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that excessive serotonin release triggers central fatigue, a condition where the brain and nervous system become exhausted during exercise. The findings may help develop better drugs for conditions like spasticity and cerebral palsy, as well as improve understanding of antidepressant side effects.
Researchers tracked 1085 male Israeli soldiers to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Soldiers with pre-deployment threat vigilance and an emotion-related gene were more likely to develop PTSD, with a faster reaction time indicating increased threat vigilance.
A team of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the University of Houston has found a new way to influence the vital serotonin signaling system. They have linked malfunctions in this system to various health issues, including depression, addictions, epilepsy, obesity, eating disorders, and more.
A study found a strong association between childhood emotional abuse and reduced serotonin neurotransmission in male alcohol-dependent individuals. The finding suggests that childhood trauma may contribute to the development of alcoholism by affecting brain chemistry.
A study on rhesus macaques found that their social network behavior is influenced by genetics and heritability. Pro-social monkeys with strong networks had greater reproductive success, while aggression had a weaker link to heritability.
Researchers found no significant association between SSRI use during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or postneonatal death. However, women exposed to SSRIs had higher rates of stillbirth and postneonatal mortality due to underlying maternal psychiatric disease.
A Wayne State University researcher has developed a new method for analyzing brain chemicals using carbon fiber microelectrodes. The technique, which meets four key criteria of size, speed, selectivity and sensitivity, enables researchers to measure serotonin levels in mice with antidepressants within five minutes.
Researchers found that serotonin release in the visceral insular cortex is responsible for nausea. This discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.
Studies investigate the connection between serotonin, BDNF, and TG2 in depression. High levels of TG2 may disrupt serotonin signaling, leading to depressive symptoms.
Researchers track serotonin regulation at a new level of detail using tiny fluorescent beads, shedding light on the dynamics of neurotransmitter transport. The study reveals two distinct populations of serotonin transporters, controlled by different regulatory pathways.
A study found that critically ill patients taking antidepressants in ICU had higher mortality rates, with risk increasing by 73% compared to those not on the medication. The risk was highest among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those who had undergone cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that anti-depressants have negative health effects on developmental problems in infants, sexual stimulation and function, digestive issues, and abnormal bleeding in elderly patients. The benefits of most anti-depressants compare poorly to the risks, including premature death in elderly patients.
Researchers found that antidepressant Zoloft accumulates in yeast cells, inducing autophagy and causing membrane distortions. This response supports the idea that depression may be linked to diminished BDNF secretions and suggests alternative targets for next-generation antidepressants.
Researchers have found that individuals with specific gene variants are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms after exposure to trauma. The study suggests a genetic link to PTSD, which could lead to new screening methods and targeted treatments.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a mouse model that expresses a common genetic variation linked to autism, revealing exaggerated serotonin signaling and social behavior changes. The study suggests that developmental disruptions in serotonin levels may lead to long-lasting brain wiring changes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with chronic changes in the human brain, leading to a lasting loss of serotonin. The study used PET imaging to examine brain regions and found increased levels of serotonin-2A receptors in users, correlated with higher lifetime use.
Eating mixed nuts daily boosts serotonin levels in MetS patients, decreasing hunger and improving heart health. A 12-week nut-enriched diet showed significant biochemical effects, including reduced inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors.
A study funded by the NIH found that perinatal exposure to antidepressants in rats led to stunted brain growth, abnormal behavior, and miswired brain circuitry. The researchers discovered reduced neuronal density and faulty communication between the brain's hemispheres.
A novel binding assay using mass spectrometry simplifies the search for SERT inhibitors, potentially improving treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The technique avoids use of radiolabeled substances, offering a more efficient and cost-effective method.
Researchers found that low serotonin levels weaken communication between brain regions, making it harder to control angry feelings. Healthy volunteers' brains were scanned while viewing angry faces to understand the impact of serotonin on aggression.
A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.
Researchers found that activating p38alpha MAPK reduces stress resilience by decreasing serotonin levels in the brain. This leads to depression-like behaviors, social avoidance, and drug-seeking behavior. The study suggests a novel therapeutic target to promote stress resilience.
A research team found that blocking the p38α MAPK protein influences behavior, contributing to depression-like symptoms and risk for addiction. The study suggests a novel therapeutic target for promoting stress resilience in models of depression and addiction.
Scientists create genetically modified mice with a built-in 'off switch' for their serotonin-producing cells, which control breathing, temperature regulation, and mood. The discovery sheds light on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and depressive disorders, two conditions linked to low serotonin levels.
Researchers have developed a toolkit to selectively silence serotonin-producing neurons in mice, revealing new insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The study found that serotonergic neuron activity affects body temperature regulation and responses to carbon dioxide levels.
A new study found that nursing home residents have a fivefold increased risk of falling within two days of a new prescription for or an increased dose of non-SSRI antidepressants. The study suggests that staff should closely monitor these residents following a prescription change to prevent potential falls.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in early pregnancy may modestly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers reported a two-fold increased risk of ASD associated with maternal treatment with SSRI anti-depressants during the year before delivery.
A groundbreaking study by USC researchers shows the human placenta synthesizes serotonin, providing a new source of this neurotransmitter to the fetal forebrain. This discovery has implications for treating health impacts such as cardiovascular disease and mental illness.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that serotonin activity affects how people perceive intimate relationships. Healthy adults with lower serotonin levels rated couples as less intimate and romantic than those with normal serotonin activity.
A study of twin veterans found that antidepressant use is linked to thicker arteries, contributing to the risk of heart disease and stroke. The data suggests that antidepressants may combine with depression for a negative effect on blood vessels.
Research on Prozac reveals it can reorganize brain plasticity by altering neuronal cell activity and connections in the hippocampus. This changes may contribute to anxiety symptoms experienced by some patients.
Researchers have found that increasing serotonin levels improves social behavior in mice with autism. A medication called buspirone was used to mimic the effects of serotonin, resulting in improved social interaction behaviors. Further study is planned to investigate the impact of a diet rich in tryptophan on social behavior.
A new mouse model has been developed to study selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their effects on the brain. The model shows that SSRIs target a specific protein in the brain, leading to improved treatment options for depression and potentially shedding light on addiction.
Researchers found that mice with chronic morphine exposure showed decreasing physical dependence during abstinence, but developed depressive-like symptoms. Treatment with antidepressant fluoxetine prevented these symptoms.
Vanderbilt researchers found that pro-inflammatory cytokines can trigger despair-like behavior in mice, similar to human depression. They also discovered a mechanism by which inflammation enhances serotonin reuptake, potentially increasing the risk of mood and anxiety disorders.
A circuit in the brain regulating serotonin-receptor signaling may explain anti-diabetic actions independent of body weight and feeding. Reactivating this receptor in specific neurons protects mice from insulin resistance and metabolic problems.
Researchers discovered Prozac's mechanism of action, revealing that it increases serotonin levels by releasing a signal molecule that reduces microRNA miR-16, unlocking expression of the serotonin transporter. This unlocks new 'source' of serotonin production in brain neurons, leading to antidepressant effects.
Researchers found that children with a specific serotonin transporter gene variant are more likely to exhibit psychopathic traits if they grow up poor. These traits include lack of empathy, arrogance, and deceitfulness. The study suggests that socioeconomic environment influences the expression of this genetic trait.
Electrical activity in developing brain cells influences the choice of neurotransmitter, altering behavior. Researchers found that tweaking genetic signals can change an animal's behavior by changing the transmitters neurons make and use.
Researchers at UCSF have found a link between serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and gestational diabetes, suggesting that high protein diets may trigger the condition. The study's findings offer new insights into possible ways to reverse non-gestational diabetes and provide potential therapeutic solutions.
A study found that patients with PTSD who carried a short allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter responded more poorly to cognitive behavior therapy. The researchers suggest that genetic variation may influence treatment response, leading to potential modifications in treatment approaches.
The Mayo Clinic research team identified genetic variants in serotonin genes that impact IBS, suggesting a complex molecular mechanism involving multiple genes. The study found several previously unknown associations between IBS and serotonin-related SNPs, providing new insights into the condition.
Researchers found that SSRIs slowed platelet clumping in participants taking the medication to treat depression, suggesting a potential beneficial effect on cardiovascular health. The study's findings could indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for people taking SSRIs to treat depression.
A study found that children with ADHD exhibit more symptoms when they experience high levels of self-blame during inter-parental conflict, which is associated with genetic variations related to serotonin activity. The study suggests a synergistic effect between genetic and environmental factors in the development of ADHD.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that inhibiting serotonin synthesis in the gut effectively cured osteoporosis in mice and rats. The compound, LP533401, prevents bone breakdown while building new bone, offering a potential treatment for millions of osteoporosis sufferers.
Researchers discovered that N-acetylserotonin, a melatonin precursor, activates the same brain growth factor circuits as BDNF, potentially explaining its antidepressant activity. This finding suggests new targets for depression treatment and may also shed light on neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in JAMA found lower levels of serotonin in brain tissue associated with an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The research suggests that abnormalities in the serotonin system may play a role in SIDS, particularly in the brainstem region.