Serotonin is the name of the popular designation for the compound 5-hydroxytryptamine. Serotonin is the chemical formula C10H12N2O. Serotonin is a hormone that is found in Pinealis glands, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and blood platelets (thrombocytes). Hormones are substances in the body that regulate the activity of cells and certain organs.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are substances that carry nerve signals into the space between the nerve cells or neurons. This space is called synapse.
As serotonin is produced in the body?
Serotonin is done by unique biochemical conversion processes. The main component of serotonin is tryptophan, which is the building blocks of proteins. Tryptophan hydroxylase cells use serotonin, which form in combination with serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine tryptophan.
What is the role of serotonin in the body?
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin helps convey messages from one place to another in the brain. Because the cells are widely distributed, trusted serotonin affects many physiological functions and other body functions. Of the approximately 40 million brain cells, most are influenced directly or indirectly by serotonin. Effect of serotonin is associated with mood, s*xual desire, s*xual function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and social characteristics.
In terms of body function, serotonin also affects the functioning of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular), muscles and endocrine factors. Serotonin also plays a role in milk production during pregnancy and childbirth.
Changes in serotonin levels in the brain can affect your mood. Some serotonin affecting antidepressants work, for example the treatment of depression.
Approximately 80% of the total serotonin in the body found in the gut, in the enterochromaffin cells that play a role in controlling bowel movements. The rest was made in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system.
In some specific cell types, serotonin acts as growth factors that play a role in wound healing.
Serotonin also affects the feelings of affection. Based on the study, someone who has a lower serotonin activity has feelings of affection are not as good as the people who have normal serotonin activity.
