Articles tagged with Serotonin
Research found that baby rhesus monkeys with high maternal rejection and mild abuse had lower serotonin levels, associated with anxiety and depression. Abused females who became abusive mothers had reduced serotonin, suggesting a potential link between early abuse and intergenerational transmission of parenting behaviors.
Researchers found abnormalities in nerve cells that make and use serotonin in the brainstem of babies who died from SIDS, linking the condition to defects in the brainstem serotonin system. The study provides strong evidence for a biological basis of SIDS and potential diagnostic tests and treatments.
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates new bone formation under normal conditions and reverses total bone loss triggered by inflammation. The study suggests a link between serotonin reuptake inhibitors and improved bone health.
Scientists have identified a crucial role of TPH2 protein in regulating serotonin levels, which may be linked to the development of depression and manic depression. The study suggests that variations in the TPH2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing these psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that a specific serotonin receptor regulates brain emotional responses, potentially contributing to depression risk. The study suggests antidepressants may work by shifting this receptor's availability, modulating amygdala reactivity and improving depressed mood.
Researchers at NIST and NC State University found that Prozac can interfere with freshwater mussels' reproductive cycle. The study, which examined fluoxetine's effect on native mussels, raises concerns about potential health impacts for humans and animals due to continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals in waterways.
A new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has been found effective in treating moderate-to-severe premature ejaculation, reducing time to ejaculation by 1.75-2.78 minutes compared to placebo. The treatment also improves men's control over ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual intercourse.
Researchers have identified key components in the molecular mechanism of serotonin's action on appetite regulation. Serotonin and drugs that affect its action act on neurons to reduce AgRP release and increase αMSH levels, disrupting function of melanocortin receptors.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how serotonin regulates appetite, finding that it activates certain neurons and blocks others to curb hunger. The dual effect could lead to the development of safer anti-obesity drugs with fewer harmful side effects.
Research suggests genetics play a role in aggression, but maternal nurturing can mitigate this effect. Variations in serotonin genes are linked to aggressive behavior, especially among men with lower education levels.
Research using sleepy fruit flies discovered that specific regions of the brain, known as mushroom bodies, regulate sleep. Increasing serotonin activity in these regions promotes sleep, which may help with learning and memory consolidation.
Researchers found that serotonin increases the amount and quality of sleep in fruit flies, even improving sleep in mutant flies with sleep deficits. The discovery highlights a potential link between serotonin's role in learning and memory and its effect on sleep.
A new study suggests that gender differences in sleep apnea may be linked to estrogen levels, with pre-menopausal women being less likely to develop the condition. The researchers used rats to investigate the role of serotonin in controlling tongue movement, finding no difference in serotonin-producing neurons between males and females.
Researchers created a simple biophysical model of an axon that reproduced catastrophic oxidative stress-induced collapse, characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. The study also revealed the role of free radicals and antioxidants in axon degradation.
Researchers found a significant association between genetic variation and treatment outcome for antidepressant medication. Patients with the AA gene type were 16-18% more likely to benefit from citalopram, suggesting a key role of the serotonin 2A receptor in mechanism of action.
Researchers found that serotonin levels in pacemaker cells are crucial for gasping and auto-resuscitation in babies. Disturbed serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in gasping, making it difficult for the baby to wake up and initiate movement.
Researchers found that low serotonergic function was associated with thicker carotid arteries, suggesting a link between the serotonin system and atherosclerosis. The study's findings could lead to new avenues for preventing heart disease and stroke through the regulation of brain chemistry.
A Hebrew University researcher found genetic differences in 85 dancers and advanced students, affecting serotonin and vasopressin receptors. These variations were also reflected in questionnaire results, highlighting a 'dancer type' with heightened communication and spiritual traits.
Researchers found that serotonin is passed between key cells in the immune system, activating an immune response. The study suggests that commonly used SSRI antidepressants could either restore healthy immune function or trigger autoimmune disease.
Researchers have identified a gene called p11 as being involved in the complex changes underlying depression. Decreased levels of p11 protein are found in both human patients with depression and mouse models of the disease. The study suggests that increasing p11 levels could be a new target for developing anti-depressant compounds.
Researchers found that the protein p11 helps regulate serotonin signaling, which is a key target of antidepressants. Increasing p11 levels can lead to improved mood and reduced depression-like symptoms in mice.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase nerve impulse-carrying axon density in the frontal and parietal lobes, controlling emotions and motivation. This growth may explain why antidepressants take time to work, with effects seen within hours but clinically meaningful results taking weeks.
Researchers have identified a link between olfactory learning and serotonin regulation in C. elegans worms, which learn to associate pathogens with aversion through bitter experience. The study suggests that this form of associative learning is an acute modification of innate preferences.
Researchers identify the breathing center in the medulla as the source of erratic breathing in Rett Syndrome, finding a significant decrease in norepinephrine. Adding norepinephrine can normalize breathing patterns, suggesting potential treatment options for the condition.
Research reveals a novel role of serotonin transporters in controlling left-right asymmetry, with implications for embryonic development and potential side effects of certain antidepressant medications. The study also highlights the importance of dynamic serotonin movement within cells.
Researchers found widespread claims that SSRIs restore serotonin balance, despite lack of scientific support. Consumer ads for SSRIs often claim to correct a chemical imbalance, but this is not supported by scientific evidence.
A retrospective study found that patients treated with oral ZYVOX had lower healthcare resource utilization and costs compared to those treated with vancomycin. The average total cost per patient was $4,630 less for ZYVOX patients.
Researchers found increased serotonin receptor binding in women who recovered from bulimia-type anorexia nervosa, but not restricting-type. This suggests altered serotonin pathways may contribute to anxiety symptoms and eating disorders.
Recent studies suggest that multiple rare mutations within a single gene may increase risk for autism. The SERT gene regulates brain levels of serotonin, which is involved in various biological processes and has been found to be elevated in about 25% of people with autism. SSRIs have improved some symptoms, leading scientists to propos...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have determined how serotonin decreases sensitivity to light and its role in maintaining circadian rhythm. The study suggests that serotonin may play a role in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders.
Researchers found serotonin plays a crucial role in early embryonic development, providing a molecular support for the idea that it's utilized as a large-scale left-right patterning mechanism. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origin of a crucial neurological control system and could lead to new therapeutic applications.
A brain scan study found that people with a depression-linked gene variant have less gray matter and weaker connections in the mood-regulating circuit. The circuit's connectivity accounted for nearly 30% of their anxious temperament.
A study in mice suggests that dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters sometimes interact, causing delays in mood stabilization. This interaction may lead to alternative approaches for developing antidepressant treatments that target serotonin entry into dopamine terminals.
Researchers found that SSRIs increase serotonin levels in synapses, but also 'trick' dopamine transporters into retrieving serotonin, causing cosignaling. This complex effect may explain delayed antianxiety effects and behavioral abnormalities in children.
Archaeological findings reveal extensive ancient Maya salt workshops beyond royal control, while researchers investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 in inducing neuropathic pain. Atmospheric pollution is linked to wheat disease prevalence, and microarray technology helps diagnose skin cancer stages. Serotonin levels may regulate e...
The Lancet's Paper of the Year 2004 exposed flaws in pharmaceutical companies and highlighted the need for an international register of randomized clinical trials. The paper also mentioned notable contributions from Richard Doll and Salim Yusuf.
A mutant gene that results in 80% less serotonin production has been identified in patients with unipolar major depression, with over 10% of cases carrying the mutation. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism for aberrant serotonin function in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A genetic defect has been found to confer risk of major depression and resistance to SSRI drug therapy. The study identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission, which may explain the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found a significant association between antidepressant use and risk of abnormal bleeding. The risk increased with the degree of serotonin reuptake inhibition, particularly for drugs with high levels of inhibition, which were associated with a 2.6-fold increased risk of bleeding events.
Social support significantly reduces the risk of depression in children who have experienced maltreatment, according to a new study published by Yale University. The research found that positive relationships with caregivers or peers can mitigate the negative effects of childhood trauma on mental health.
Studies show that early life stress can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and impaired immune function later in life. Researchers also found that maternal care and prenatal stress can alter gene methylation and affect the development of brain cells.
Recent findings by Illinois researchers identified two new serotonin metabolites in the nervous system of marine mollusks, suggesting different chemical pathways exist to convert serotonin. This discovery could provide novel means to target tissue-specific diseases related to serotonin signaling.
A brain imaging study found that people prone to depression have an overactive emotion-regulating brain circuit, even when they're not depressed. When tryptophan was depleted, most subjects with a history of mood disorder experienced temporary symptoms.
A study found that Type A alcoholics who took sertraline showed improved treatment response and maintained gains after treatment ended, while Type B alcoholics did not. In contrast, Type B alcoholics experienced increased heavy drinking after receiving sertraline.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring genetic difference controlling brain serotonin production, which may explain psychiatric disorders and influence patient responses to SSRIs. The discovery sets the stage for new insights into the role of the serotonin enzyme and gene in animal behavior and human disorders.
Researchers at Purdue University have precisely determined the energies needed to twist a molecule called tryptamine, which is closely related to serotonin and melatonin. This breakthrough could provide new insights into protein folding and lead to new approaches to develop computer memory devices.
Research conducted by Yale University found that most breastfed infants experience little decline in blood serotonin levels after their mothers take Prozac. The study suggests that women should weigh factors such as postpartum depression severity and breastfeeding commitment when considering antidepressant medication.
A new genetic variant has been identified in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), showing a strong link to the development of the condition in multiple generations. The I425V mutation affects serotonin transporter function and is rare, found in only 7 out of 833 individuals studied.
Researchers identified a mutation in the human serotonin transporter gene, hSERT, associated with OCD, which may result from a genetic double hit increasing serotonin transport and leading to treatment resistance. The study provides insights into transporter function and potential tests for identifying and treating mental illness.
New research demonstrates abnormal serotonin signaling in IBS, with key elements of serotonin signaling changed in patients. The study found decreased serotonin content and higher endocrine cell populations in IBS patients, leading to increased serotonin availability.
Researchers found that antidepressants stimulate new neuron creation, which takes several weeks, and that this process is crucial for clinical response. The study also highlights the importance of specific serotonin receptors in regulating emotions.
A gene variant appears to increase the risk of depression following stressful life events, according to a new study. People with the short version of the serotonin transporter gene were more likely to develop depression if they experienced multiple stressful life events.
A team of researchers has identified a gene, Pet-1, crucial for serotonin neuron development, which is associated with abnormal anxiety and aggression in mice. The discovery provides a valuable animal model for understanding the causes of mood disorders and developing new treatments.
Researchers found no significant differences in TPH protein level or 5HT2A receptor density between suicide victims and controls. The A218C polymorphism of the TPH gene was shown to alter TPH protein level, suggesting its role in serotonergic function rather than biological suicidality.
Research suggests that sunlight influences brain serotonin activity, which is linked to seasonal mood changes and depression. The study's findings provide insight into the role of environmental factors in regulating mood disorders.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research explores the relationship between alcoholism and serotonin. Researchers found that a specific drug probe did not elicit a hormonal response in abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects, suggesting alternative explanations for the connection between serotonin and alcohol depen...
The hypothesis proposes categorizing diverse symptoms according to unconscious aggressive conflict, rather than conscious superficial descriptors. This approach could reveal common neuroanatomical correlates among seemingly disparate symptoms.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a link between a genetic variant of the serotonin receptor gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with this variant may be more susceptible to developing OCD, potentially leading to earlier identification and treatment.
A study by Northeastern University researchers found that adolescent steroid use is linked to reduced serotonin levels, particularly in areas related to aggression and violence. The study suggests that long-term exposure to steroids during adolescence may permanently alter the production of the 'feel-good' receptor.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers identifies the melanocortin system as a key player in regulating body weight. The discovery sheds light on how appetite suppressant drugs like fenfluramine work, offering new insights into the complex interactions between serotonin and melanocortin systems.