Serotonergic Neurons: A Review of Their Role in Neurotransmission and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Serotonergic neurons are a type of neuron that release the neurotransmitter serotonin. They are responsible for regulating many different behaviors, including mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition. This review will discuss the role of serotonergic neurons in neurotransmission and their involvement in various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Serotonergic neurons are located in the raphe nuclei, which are located in the brain stem. These neurons use a variety of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, to communicate with other neurons in the brain. Serotonergic neurons are involved in the regulation of many different behaviors, including emotion, cognition, and motor control.
The release of serotonin from serotonergic neurons is regulated by both pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. Pre-synaptic regulation involves the release of serotonin from the presynaptic neuron, while post-synaptic regulation involves the binding of serotonin to its receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. This allows for the communication between the two neurons.
Serotonin is also involved in the regulation of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Serotonin is believed to influence the activity of certain brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are associated with these disorders. Studies have found that serotonin levels are altered in individuals with certain neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting that serotonergic neurons may play a role in the pathophysiology of these disorders.
In conclusion, serotonergic neurons are involved in the regulation of many different behaviors. They also play an important role in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the role of serotonergic neurons in neurotransmission and their involvement in various neuropsychiatric disorders.
References
Arnsten, A. F. (2009). Stress signaling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 410-422.
Barrett, J. E., & Gould, G. G. (2012). Serotonin and anxiety: a review of central 5-HT receptor subtypes and their function. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 12(2), 92-99.
Chaki, S., & Meltzer, H. Y. (2017). Serotonin receptors and transporters: Role in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of depression and anxiety disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 15(6), 729-754.
López-Munoz, F., Alamo, C., & Cuenca, E. (2005). Historical review of the discovery of serotonin and its early implications in physiology and pathology. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 29(3), 403-416.