A neurotransmitter found principally in the brain that is considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Seretonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) produced by nerve cells in the brain to communicate with other nerve cells. An imbalance in seretonin levels is thought to be a cause of depression.
a chemical messenger involved especially with depression
A naturally occurring neurotransmitter derived from the amino acid tryptophan.
a chemical, 5-hydrozytryptamine (5-HT), present in blood platelets, the gastrointestinal tract, and certain regions of the brain. It plays an important role in initiating sleep and fighting depression (prescription drugs that treat depression raise the brain's levels of serotonin). Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan. Serotonin (and, therefore, L-tryptophan) also serves as a precursor for the pineal hormone melatonin, which regulates the body's clock.
A neurotransmitter produced primarily in the pineal gland (in the presence of light through the eyes) from the amino acid tryptophan. In the absence of light through the eyes, it is converted to the hormone melatonin. Serotonin conveys messages between neurons and plays a major role in dampening the brain’s response to incoming stimuli (the "serotonin screening mechanism") so as to prevent overload. It is one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in moods and emotions. See text, Chapter 4. See also, "hormone," " melatonin," "neurohormone," "neurotransmitter" and "pineal gland."
A neurotransmitter that regulates many functions, including mood, appetite, and sensory perception.
A neurotransmitter that is essential for a sense of well-being and good mood. Many anti-depressants work by lifting serotonin levels.
A chemical naturally occurring in the brain that helps to regulate mood. Diminished serotonin levels may cause or contribute to depression.
neurotransmitter involved in sleep and emotional arousal; believed to play a significant role in such mental disorders as depression.
A neurotransmitter that causes a very broad range of effects on perception, movement, and the emotions by modulating the actions of other neurotransmitters in most parts of the brain.
An indoleamine that is a neurotransitter of the central nervous system. Disturbances in its tracts apparently figure in depression.
A neurotransmitter involved in many functions, including mood, appetite, and sensory perception.
Natural compound belonging to the indole amino family which acts as neurotransmitter (substance enabling communication within the nervous system); serotonin affects a person′s sense of well-being.
a neurotransmitter that affects how alert one is
a key neurotransmitter that acts as a powerful constrictor of arteries, reducing the blood supply to the brain and contributing to the pain of headache.
A naturally occurring neurotransmitter and hormone that is synthesized in the gut and the bronchi. Elevated levels of serotonin in urine may indicate the presence of carcinoid tumors.
An active neurotransmitter (C10H12N20) involved in the stimulation of the smooth muscles and regulation of cyclic body processes. An organic compound found in tissue, especially the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membranes. Reference: B2
neurotransmitter and hormone. Deficiency of serotonin in the brain is theorized to cause symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, panic or obsessions and compulsions.
A hormone (5-hydroxytryptamine) that acts as a neurotransmitter, transmitting nerve signals from one neuron to another.
neurotransmitter that subtly modifies neuron function, exerting its effects by interacting with receptors on the neuron's surface.
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter that has a prominent role in sleep regulation and mood. Serotonin is affected by a number of psychoactive substances. Its synaptic concentration is increased by stimulants, especially ecstasy (MDMA). Its release is inhibited by opioid receptors. Many antidepressants act via their effects on serotonin (e.g. inhibition of reuptake).
A monoamine neurotransmitter that is important for a wide range of psychological activity, including emotional states, impulse control, and dreaming. go to glossary index
neurotransmitter that is a powerful vasoconstrictor (constricts the blood vessels) and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals; also called 5-HT or 5-hydroxytryptamine.
A substance that is found in many parts of the body, especially in the brain where its levels are thought to have an important influence on the person's mood.
a chemical substance that is most often found in the platelet and is believed to be involved in migraine attacks. Headache research is directed to those agents that will block the receptors for seratonin.
A chemical used to transmit information from one nerve cell to another.
Neurotransmitter believed to be central to such functions as sleep, sexual behavior, aggressiveness, motor activity and mood; abnormalities in serotonin have been suggested to play a role in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and mood disorders.
A neurotransmitter found in areas of the brain associated with mood, pleasure, sleep inhibition of anger, reduction of aggression and reduction of the perception of pain.
One of the neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, involved in depression.
A naturally occurring CNS neurotransmitter whose dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and numerous other psychiatric disorders
A neurotransmitter in the brain that has been linked to a number of the emotional and physical symptoms of depression. Some of these may include despair, anxiety, loss of appetite, and bodily aches and pains.
a neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory
A neurotransmitter important in filtering out information. If its levels are low, it can be the underlying cause of depression and violence.
A neurotransmitter thought to be important in the mechanism of migraine headaches.
A chemical produced at many nerve endings in the brain.
A neurotransmitter, derived from tryptophan, that is involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes. It causes constriction of the blood vessels, inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscle.
a neurotransmitter that plays an important part in conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, migraine headaches, and others.
A chemical in the brain that is believed to be linked to depression.
A neurotransmitter within the central nervous system widely studied in affective disorders and substance abuse. (See also dopamine.)
An amine neurotransmitter involved in eating, mood, headache and sexual behaviour.
A chemical neurotransmitter (a chemical that acts on the nervous system to help transmit messages along the nervous system).
chemical messenger in the brain that affects emotions, behavior, and thought.
A hormone, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine, in the pineal gland, blood platelets, the digestive tract, and the brain. Serotonin acts both as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells and that causes blood vessels to narrow.
A neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin in the brain. Close Window
An important neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood, appetite, sensory perception, and other central nervous system functions.
a neurotransmitter found in brain stem cells and other parts of the central nervous system; in animal studies, the inhibition of the formation of serotonin led to severe insomnia.
A chemical in the brain that helps to regulate mood. An appropriate supply helps avoid mood swings and depression.
is a chemical in the body that is made from tryptophan and helps cells communicate with each other. In the brain, increased serotonin levels are associated with an elevated sense of calm, happiness and confidence. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety, depression, pain and risk of various addictions.
a chemical messenger, called a neurotransmitter, involved in communicating the message to the brain to expand (dilate) or close (constrict) the blood vessels. When these blood vessels dilate and constrict, they stimulate nerves that carry pain-producing messages in the brain, leading to headache pain, particularly the pain of migraine. Serotonin is also responsible for controlling mood, attention, sleep and pain.
A brain chemical that relays messages between brain cells (neurons) which regulates sleep, mood, libido, appetite. Can also be converted into melatonin. Made from dietary sources of the amino acid tryptophan.
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
A neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood.
The neurotransmitter or brain chemical that is believed to have an important effect on the activation of migraine headaches and depression.
a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.
One of the groups of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters that carries out communications in the brain and the body. This molecular messenger travels from neuron to neuron eliciting cellular responses that shape emotions and judgment.
An important neurotransmitter (communicates information chemically between brain cells) that is involved in the pain disorders and emotional perceptions.
a neurotransmitter that has many effects, including blood vessel constriction and smooth muscle stimulation.
Vasoconstrictor that, in humans, is released by the blood platelets and found in high concentrations in many body tissues. It inhibits gastric secretion, stimulates smooth muscle serves as a central neurotransmitter, and is a precursor of melatonin.
(1)A brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that relays messages between brain cells (neurons). It is one of the primary mood-regulating neurotransmitters. It is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin can also be converted to melatonin. (2)A vasoconstrictor found in many tissues of the body that is present in relatively high concentrations in portions of the central nervous system (e.g., hypothalamus, basal ganglia, etc.). Serotonin functions as a neurotransmitter, regulating the delivery of messages between nerve cells (neurons). This neurotransmitter is thought to play some role in regulating consciousness and mood states. Serotonin is also present in other tissues of the body such as the intestines and blood platelets.
a neurotransmitter that has been implicated in states of consciousness, mood, depression and anxiety.
Serotonin play a role in mood, sleep, appetite and sexual activity; a deficit can result in depression
A chemical in the brain that acts as a kind of messenger between nerve cells.
(n) a neurotransmitter of the nerve cells in the brain. Problems with serotonin insufficiency have been associated with mental disorders such as depression.
A neurotransmitter used in widespread parts of the brain, which is involved in sleep, movement and emotions
neurotransmitter chemical that affects sleep and wakefulness, especially falling asleep, and affects mood and thought processes
A hormone that is concentrated in the hypothalamus of the brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter, which helps induce a feeling of fullness, and may affect emotional states such as anxiety. Depression is caused by reduced amounts of, or lack of activity in the serotonin.
A monoamine neurotransmitter believed to play many roles including, but not limited to, temperature regulation, sensory perception and the onset of sleep. Neurons using serotonin as a transmitter are found in the brain and in the gut. A number of antidepressant drugs are targeted to brain serotonin systems.
An important neurochemical whose effects upon the human brain include mood elevation. Production of serotonin in the brain is increased by ingestion of the amino acid tryptophan (a chemical precursor to serotonin) and the pharmaceutical anti-depressant Prozac (trademarked product of Eli Lilly & Company). In 1997, Marianne Regard and Theodor Landis discovered that humans afflicted with hemorrhagic lesions in the brain (cause of abnormal serotonin activation/production) often became "passionate culinary afficionados."
a neurotransmitter which is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. Also called 5HT (5-Hydroxytryptomine). The critical enzymes for its production from tryptophan are tryptophan hydroxylase and 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase. Seretonin receptors have been linked to tourette syndrome.
A neurotransmitter within the central nervous system widely studied in affective disorders and substance abuse. Social gambler/gambling: Gamblers who exhibit few or none of the difficulties associated with problem or pathological gambling. Social gamblers will gamble for entertainment, typically will not risk more than they can afford, often gamble with friends, chase losses briefly, gamble for limited periods of time, and are not preoccupied with gambling. Synonymous with recreational gambling. Level 1 on Shaffer et al's typology of disordered gambling.
A chemical that is concentrated in certain areas of the brain, especially the midbrain. Changes in its concentration are associated with several mood disorders. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.
The reason so many anti depressants are recommended to relieve pain and help with sleep disturbance.
A monoamine neurotransmitter found in small quantities in the CNS, blood platelets, and, more abundantly in the enteric nervous system of the gut. Its function in the CNS is primarily inhibitory, working with GABA to prevent over-excitation.
A "feel-good" neurotransmitter linked to mood, raised by antidepressants such as Prozac.
A neurotransmitter and hormone found in vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. It is metabolised to 5-HIAA in the liver and then excreted in the urine. Serotonin is measured on a blood specimen in cases of suspected carcinoid syndrome where it will be elevated. The normal range is 101 - 283ng/ml.
a neurotransmitter (hormone/chemical that transmits information across the junction that separates one nerve cell from another nerve cell or a muscle) that regulates functions such as sleep, mood, and appetite.
a neurotransmitter involved in certain emotional disorders.
A chemical messenger that aids communication between many areas of the brain that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. It is also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about physical discomfort or pain between the brain and body.
One of the brain's neurotransmitters, believed to be involved in depression and OCD
a neurotransmitter found naturally in the brain and intestines that sends messages throughout the body. Impaired serotonin activity has been linked to symptoms of anxiety, impulsiveness, aggression and increased appetite.
(ser-o-TOE-nin). A brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that helps to regulate your mood. A lack of it may lead to depression.
NAAR Glossary A major neurotransmitter involved in depression and anxiety. A quarter to a third of people with autism show abnormally high levels of serotonin in the blood.
A neurotransmitter involved in many of the mechanisms of sleep, arousal, aggression, and mood.
an inhibitory neurotransmitter required for sleep.
A neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep and pain transmission.
Serotonin An organic compound, C 10H 12N 2O, formed from tryptophan and found in animal and human tissue, especially the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membranes, and active as a neurotransmitter and in vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles, and regulation of cyclic body processes. In animal studies, the inhibition of the formation of serotonin led to severe insomnia.
A monoamine vasoconstrictor, found in various animals from coelenterates to vertebrates, in bacteria, and in many plants. In humans, it is synthesized in the intestinal chromaffin cells or in the central or peripheral neurons and is found in high concentrations in many body tissues, including the intestinal mucosa, pineal body, and central nervous system. Produced enzymatically from tryptophan by hydroxylation and decarboxylation, serotonin has many physiologic properties (e.g., inhibits gastric secretion, stimulates smooth muscle, serves as central neurotransmitter, and is a precursor of melatonin).
neurotransmitter. Also called 5HT (5-hydroxytryptamine).
a neurotransmitter in the brain; may induce a sense of relaxation and drowsiness, possibly associated with fatigue; may also depress appetite.
A neurotransmitter found in the brain that affects mood and appetite.
a neurotransmitter formed from the amino acid tryptophan that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and pain.
A hormone also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine. Serotonin functions as both a neurotransmitter and a vasoconstrictor (substance that causes blood vessels to narrow).
Neurotransmitter that relays impulses between nerve cells (neurons) in the central nervous system. Functions thought to be regulated by nerve cells that utilize serotonin include mood and behavior, physical coordination, appetite, body temperature, and sleep.
A substance that occurs naturally in the body. It has been found that the serotonin level in a migraine sufferer's brain first rises then falls dramatically at the onset of an attack, provoking a theory that serotonin plays an important role in migraine.
A chemical in the brain which helps regulate moods - too little of it, and you can end up depressed. Too much of it can cause migraines and nausea. Just the right amount and it's a great anti-depressant/mood elevator.
A neurotransmitter believed to be connected to emotions. People with depression often have too much or too little serotonin.
A naturally occurring chemical in the body, a potent vasoconstrictor, thought to be involved in neural mechanisms, important in sleep and sensory perception.
a chemical made in many organs in the body that acts as a messenger between nerve cells. Serotonin affects many bodily functions, including nausea and vomiting, sleep-wake cycles, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, and eating.
A neurotransmitter in the central nervous system; a compound that enhances inflammation and is released by activated mast cells and basophils.
another neurotransmitter, it has been implicated in many central nervous system disorders. Some of its functions seem to involve memory, appetite, sleep and learning. Its chemical formula is C10H12N2O.
A brain chemical that regulates many functions including mood and sensitivity to pain. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.
(ser-o-to-nin): Neurotransmitter that relays impulses between nerve cells ( neurons) in the central nervous system. Serotonin is involved in mood and behavior, physical coordination, appetite, body temperature, and sleep.
A small molecule (also known as neurotransmitter) that helps the brain cells communicate with each other.
a multifunctional, monoamine, inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in sleep, mood and cognition.
substance present in many tissues that stimulates a variety of smooth muscles and nerves and is believed to function as a neurotransmitter.
A neurotransmitter thought to be involved in controlling consciousness and mood.
a naturally occurring derivative of tryptophan. Found in the cells of the brain, in platelets, and in the intestine. In the central nervous system , it is a key neurotransmitter. In the blood vessels, it is released from platelets when blood vessel walls are damaged. Serotonin is also called 5-hydroxytriptamine.
A neurotransmitter that is involved in mood (such as helping you to feel happy), sleep, mental health, blood pressure and heartbeat.
A neurotransmitter in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is an inhibitory transmitter whose actions have been implicated in various processes including sleep, the perception of pain, and mood disorders (depression and manic-depression). See also neurotransmitter.
A neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain (see Anxiety, Depression).
an important brain chemical (neurotransmitter) with diverse effects (mood, sexual behaviour, and many other brain-related functions).
A neurotransmitter involved in the processes of sleep and memory, as well as other neurological functions.
A neurotransmitter in the brain that modulates mood, appetite, sexual activity, aggression, body temperature and sleep.