Serotonin neurotransmission (5-HT neurotransmission)

Serotonin neurotransmission is the physiological process involving the synthesis, release, and signaling of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) across the synaptic cleft. This system is fundamental to the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions within the central nervous system, as well as gastrointestinal motility and vascular tone in the periphery (StatPearls, 2023). The process is mediated by a diverse family of at least 14 distinct receptor subtypes, most of which are G protein-coupled receptors, with the exception of the 5-HT3 receptor, which is a ligand-gated ion channel (NIH, 2022). Clinical interventions often target specific elements of this pathway, such as the serotonin transporter (SERT) to treat depression or specific 5-HT receptors to manage migraines and nausea (PubMed, 2021). Dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission is a hallmark of various psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, making it a cornerstone of modern psychopharmacology (PubChem, 2024).

Other names

5-Hydroxytryptamine signalingSerotonergic system5-HT signaling pathwaySerotonin pathway

Modulation of serotonin levels and signaling through reuptake inhibition, receptor agonism, or receptor antagonism.