Serotonin secretion mechanism in enterochromaffin cell of gastrointestinal tract

Serotonin secretion by enterochromaffin cells is a key process in gut physiology. EC cells, the most numerous enteroendocrine cells in the GI tract, synthesize serotonin from tryptophan via tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), store it in vesicles via VMAT1, and release it in response to luminal stimuli such as nutrients, microbial metabolites (e.g., indoles), and mechanical forces. Released serotonin acts locally, activating sensory and motor neurons (primarily via 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors), modulating motility, secretion, and communicating satiety signals to the brain. Dysregulation of EC cell serotonin secretion is implicated in numerous GI and metabolic diseases, as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; thus, several molecular actors involved in this process form therapeutic targets.

Other names

Serotonin release in EC cells5-HT secretion by enterochromaffin cellsgut-derived serotonin release

Antagonism/inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors (reduces nausea/vomiting) Modulation of serotonin synthesis/release (e.g., by targeting TPH1 or TRPA1) Alteration of serotonin reuptake or degradation Modulation of enterochromaffin cell activity via microbial metabolites or nutrients