Serotonin


Synthesis

           tryptophan hydroxylase             5-HTP decarboxylase
                         |                                               | 
Tryptophan  ------->  5-hydroxytryptophan ------> 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)

Serotonin & Sleep

Serotonin & Hallucinogens

Rapid Inactivation

Reuptake into axon terminal


































Chemical Breakdown

         MAO                                      aldehyde dehydrogenase
             |                                                            |
5-HT ------> 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde  ------> 5-HIAA














Localization of 5-HT

90% in the mucous membranes of the gut

8 - 9% in the blood

1 - 2% in brain

5-HT in brain (from faculty.plattsburgh.edu/william.gaeddert














Serotonergic Drugs

parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA): blocks tryptophan hydroxylase

reserpine: disrupts storage in vesicles

MAO-inhibitors: increase levels available for release

fenfluramine: promotes release

fluoxetine: blocks reuptake (SSRI)

LSD: receptor agonist

LSD (from www.wellesley.edu/chemistry/chem101/mental

5, 6 dihydroxytryptamine: neurotoxin