2009 | Miles Berger¹, John A. Gray¹,², and Bryan L. Roth³
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes beyond the central nervous system. It regulates cardiovascular function, bowel motility, ejaculatory latency, and bladder control. Recent research suggests serotonin may also regulate processes like platelet aggregation through receptor-independent mechanisms. Serotonin receptors are expressed in various organs, and drugs targeting specific receptors are being developed to treat a range of diseases. Serotonin plays a critical role in multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. It influences behaviors such as mood, perception, memory, and appetite, and is involved in pain perception and nociceptive processing. Serotonin also affects reproductive functions, including uterine contractions and pregnancy-related vascular changes. Additionally, serotonin is involved in endocrine functions, metabolism, and the regulation of energy balance. Serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists are being explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various conditions, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases. However, serotonin modulation can also lead to side effects, such as increased bleeding risk and valvular heart disease. The complex roles of serotonin in different physiological processes highlight the need for careful consideration of its effects when developing new drugs.Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes beyond the central nervous system. It regulates cardiovascular function, bowel motility, ejaculatory latency, and bladder control. Recent research suggests serotonin may also regulate processes like platelet aggregation through receptor-independent mechanisms. Serotonin receptors are expressed in various organs, and drugs targeting specific receptors are being developed to treat a range of diseases. Serotonin plays a critical role in multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. It influences behaviors such as mood, perception, memory, and appetite, and is involved in pain perception and nociceptive processing. Serotonin also affects reproductive functions, including uterine contractions and pregnancy-related vascular changes. Additionally, serotonin is involved in endocrine functions, metabolism, and the regulation of energy balance. Serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists are being explored for their therapeutic potential in treating various conditions, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases. However, serotonin modulation can also lead to side effects, such as increased bleeding risk and valvular heart disease. The complex roles of serotonin in different physiological processes highlight the need for careful consideration of its effects when developing new drugs.