Serotonin Neuron

Serotonin neurons are specialized nerve cells that synthesize, store, and release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, emotion, sleep, appetite, aggression, cognition, and many other physiological processes. These neurons primarily originate from the raphe nuclei in the brainstem and project widely throughout the central nervous system. Alterations in serotonergic neuron function are implicated in psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as neurological conditions affecting pain perception. Many antidepressants act by increasing serotonin availability at synapses by inhibiting its reuptake.

Other names

Serotonergic neuron5-HT neuron

SSRIs: Inhibit serotonin reuptake. SNRIs: Inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. TCAs: Inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs: Inhibit the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.