Serotonin (5-hydroxy tryptamine, 5-HT) is distributed in the brain tissue, digestive system, and peripheral blood of the human body, and is involved in physiological functions such as food intake, temperature regulation, movement, reproduction, memory, pain, and mental activities.
Recent studies have demonstrated that it may play an important role in bone resorption and bone formation.
Serotonin is a chemical signaling molecule that helps nerve cells communicate with each other.
Scientists have previously discovered that it activates a molecule in organisms called serotonin 1A receptors. Transgenic mice that lack this receptor and are unable to respond normally to serotonin exhibit anxiety-like behavioral traits. Later experiments showed that some adult experimental mice did not develop anxiety symptoms after the serotonin 1A receptors were blocked.
Drugs that increase endogenous serotonin can cause high serotonin levels, for example, tryptophan increases serotonin production. There are medical reports that low-dose serotonin preparations can also cause serotonin syndrome.
Drugs that antagonize 5-HT, such as SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are widely used in clinical practice because they can effectively relieve depressive symptoms. Most clinical research reports suggest that it is associated with low bone density. This may be related to the direct and indirect effects of 5-HT on bone cells.
Reference
[1].Haney EM,Warden SJ,Bliziotes MM. Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on bone health in adults: time for recommendations about screening,prevention and management［J］. Bone,2010, 46: 13 － 17.
