serotonín

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the human body. It is synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan. While often associated with the brain, a significant portion of the body's serotonin is produced and found in the gastrointestinal tract, where it regulates intestinal movements.

In the central nervous system, serotonin influences a wide range of psychological and physiological processes. It is implicated in mood regulation, with low levels of serotonin being linked to depression and anxiety. It also affects sleep-wake cycles, appetite, digestion, learning, memory, and sexual desire. Serotonin works by transmitting signals between nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain.

The precise mechanisms by which serotonin influences these diverse functions are complex and involve interactions with various serotonin receptors located on different types of cells. Research into serotonin and its receptors is ongoing, aiming to understand its role more fully and to develop more effective treatments for conditions associated with serotonin imbalances. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reabsorption.