OCB03-2009 SEROTONIN Flashcards
What are the main functions of serotonergic transmission?
Inhibit sensory input
Descending pain inhibition
How can serotonin affect morphine?
Decreased serotonin antagonises the effects of morphine
What are the two principal serotonergic nuclei?
Rostral raphe nuclei
Caudal raphe nuclei
What two monoamine neurotransmitters have a similar distribution in the CNS?
NA
Serotonin
Where do the serotonergic neurons project to from the rostral raphe nuclei?
Ascend to cerebral cortex, limbic regions and specifically the basal ganglia
Where do the serotonergic neurons project to from the caudal raphe nuclei?
Descend to medulla or to spinal cord
What is another name for serotonin?
5-hydroxytryptamine
How is 5-hydroxytryptamine formed?
Tryptophan –> 5-hydroxytryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase
5-hydroxytryptophan –> 5-hydroxytryptamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase
What can 5-HT be converted to?
Melatonin
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid by MAOa
What can be measured to determine 5-HT transmission in the brain?
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in ECF
How can serotonin be removed from the synapse?
SERT into neurons
ENT into glial cells
What type of receptor are serotonin receptors?
All GPCRs except 5-HT3 which is an cation channel
What G protein are 5-HT1 receptors coupled to?
Gi
What are 5-HT1A receptors involved in?
Sleep
Neuronal inhibition
Anxiety
Feeding
Thermoregulation
What are 5-HT1B receptors involved in?
Presynaptic inhibition
Behaviour
Food intake