Serotonin/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) physiology

C Redelinghuys

Serotonin/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) physiology

Authors

C Redelinghuys University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8506-1106

Keywords:

Serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, physiology

Abstract

Serotonin has a pervasive presence within both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Peripherally, serotonin stimulates various functions such as vasoconstriction, uterine contraction, bronchoconstriction, and platelet aggregation. Centrally acting serotonin inhibits excitatory neurotransmission and modulates alertness, concentration, emotions and mood, sexual behaviour, appetite, nociception and aggression. In addition to its extensive physiological role in the body, it is also the cause of certain diseases and the target of several pharmacological therapies. This review summarises the physiology of serotonin in humans and the clinical applications that are of relevance within anaesthesia.

Author Biography

C Redelinghuys, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Anaesthesia, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

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Published

2020-11-13

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 6 (2020)

Section

FCA 1 Anaesthetic Refresher Course 2020

License

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