Serotonin

Serotonin is an inhibitory Neurotransmitter - chemically it is a Monoamine classified as an Indole Alkaloid.  Men generally have far higher (Brain) Serotonin levels than women.  references

       View Serotonin's Biochemical Pathway

Exogenous Serotonin affects the body in different ways to endogenous Serotonin.

Cardiovascular System

       Serotonin may alleviate Hypotension by increasing Blood Pressure. Caution: excessive Serotonin exacerbates Hypertension.

Immune System

       When the body's Basophils (in the bloodstream) and Mast Cells (in Connective Tissues) are antagonized by Antigens that are responsible for Allergies and Inflammation, they "burst" and release Serotonin amongst other substances as part of their defense response.

       Serotonin released in response to Inflammation is involved in the sensation Pain associated with Inflammation.

Metabolism

       Insufficient production of Serotonin may contribute to Obesity.  references

Musculoskeletal System

       Insufficient production of Serotonin is speculated to be an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia.  references

Nervous System

       Serotonin deficiency may cause Aggressiveness.  references

       Serotonin deficiency may be an underlying cause of Alcoholism.  references

       Alzheimer's Disease patients often exhibit low Serotonin levels (probably due to excessive conversion of Serotonin to 5-HIAA by Monoamine Oxidase Type A).  references

       Anxiety patients are often deficient in Serotonin.  references

       Serotonin may suppress Appetite:  references

 Carbohydrate Cravings may occur as a result of insufficient Brain levels of Serotonin.  Serotonin is known to reduce the production of Neuropeptide Y (the Neuropeptide responsible for Carbohydrate Cravings).  references

 Persons with Carbohydrate Cravings consume high amounts of Carbohydrates because the Carbohydrates they consume stimulate an increase in plasma Tryptophan for Serotonin production.

       Insufficient production of Serotonin may be implicated in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  references

       Insufficient production of Serotonin may be implicated in Bulimia.  references

       Insufficient production of Serotonin (or excessive destruction of Serotonin) is implicated in many cases of Depression.  references

       Insufficient production of Serotonin may cause Impulsiveness.  Anecdotal Evidence

       Increasing Brain Serotonin levels is beneficial in the treatment of Insomnia (due to its ability to induce Sleep).

       Insufficient production of Serotonin may be the underlying cause of Migraines.  references

       Increased Brain levels ofSerotonin may improve Mood:  references

 Serotonin deficiency can cause impulsiveness and bad temper.  Violent criminals in prisons are very often found to be deficient in Serotonin.

       Optimal Serotonin levels may alleviate and prevent Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  references

       Serotonin is the principal Neurotransmitter that initiates and maintains Sleep.

       Serotonin is speculated to alleviate the symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome (by opposing the stimulating effects of excessive stimulation of Dopamine D2 Receptors by Dopamine).  Anecdotal Evidence

Sexual System

       Serotonin levels decline immediately prior to Menstruation.

       Some cases of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) may occur as a result of Serotonin deficiency.  references

Hormones

       Serotonin may facilitate the release of Human Growth Hormone (hGH).