CH. 6 Serotonin Flashcards
how is serotonin system wired
cell bodies in the raphe nucleus (B7, B8)
axon projections similar to NE, more than DA
what type of monoamine is serotonin
indolamine
how is serotonin synthesized
tryptophan becomes 5-HTP
5-HTP becomes 5-HT (serotonin)
what enzyme converts tryptophan to 5-HTP
tryptophan hydroxylase
what enzyme converts 5-HTP to 5-HT?
AADC
what other NT does AADC enzyme work on?
dopamine
what types of cells is tryptophan hydroxylase found in?
only serotonergic ones
what does PCPA do?
irreveresibly inhibits tryptophan hydroxylase to prevent 5-HT synthesis
which step in serotonin synthesis is the rate limiting one?
tryptophan to 5-HTP vua tryptophan hydroxylase
what is 5HT synthesis dependent on? why?
the ratio of tryptophan to other amino acids in the blood
they use the same transporter across the BBB so they compete for it
how can you indirectly reduce 5TH synthesis?
by giving aa cocktail not containing tryptophan
what kind of diet would increase tryptophan ratio in the blood? why?
high carb
increased insulin removes aas except tryptophan from blood for protein synthesis
what kind of diet would decrease tryptophan ratio in the blood? why?
high protein
liver activation starts protein synthesis who mainly use tryptophan
what behavioural effects can reducing serotonin have
depression remission
impaired impulse control
vesicle transporter protein for 5HT
VMAT2
what kind of autoreceptors does serotonin have? what do they effect?
presynaptic- reduce 5HT vesicle release
somatodendritic- slow firing rate
how is 5HT removed from the synapse?
by serotonin reuptake transporter
what is the metabolite of 5HT
5-HIAA
what enzyme metabolizes 5HT?
MAO
what drugs work like amphetamines but are more selective for serotonin? how are they similar to amphetamines?
fenfluramine
MDMA
reverse reuptake transporters
fenfluramine effect
appetite surpression
cardiovascular effects
MDMA use/effects
recreational drug
euphoria
therapeutic for PTSD
what do SSRIs do?
blocks SERT
example of an SSRI
fluoxetine