5-HT tagged posts

Histologic assessment of arthritic joints using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a higher arthritis score on Tph1−/−mice

For the 1st time, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been directly implicated in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although 5-HT is predominantly known as a neurotransmitter within the CNS, new evidence points to additional important functions for serotonin in the periphery. A report in The American Journal of Pathology shows that experimentally-induced RA in serotonin-deficient mice is worse than disease reported in controls and that some effects of RA can be reduced by serotonin or its agonists (compounds that activate serotonin receptors).

“Our study highlights that 5-HT has a direct immunoregulatory role in arthritis...

Schematic drawing illustrating the location of serotoninergic neurons in the adult zebrafish brain (lateral view). 5-HT-immunoreactive cells are also present in the retina (not shown). The main projections originating from the raphe populations are indicated. AP, area postrema; Cer, cerebellum; Hyp, hypothalamus; MO, medulla oblongata; NLV, nucleus lateralis valvulae; OB, olfactory bulb; PG, preglomerular complex, Po, preoptic region; PT, posterior tuberculum; SC, spinal cord; Tel, telencephalon; TeO, tectum opticum; Th, thalamus; V, ventral telencephalic area.

Researchers create 1st complete model of serotonin’s role. Serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT], is an important neuromodulator of brain development and the structure and function of neuronal circuits...