serotonin Archives
Study may point to new treatment approach for ASD
Nov. 16, 2017—Using sophisticated genome mining and gene manipulation techniques, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have solved a mystery that could lead to a new treatment approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Amount of daylight may impact serotonin programming
Jan. 19, 2017—The duration of exposure to daylight, or the “photoperiod,” may affect development of seasonal affective disorder by programming serotonin neurons in the brain, according to Vanderbilt University researchers.
Possible overeating antidote
Aug. 1, 2016—The 2C-subtype of the serotonin receptor (5HT2C), which binds the neurotransmitter serotonin, plays an important role in regulating food intake and metabolism.
Autism study links sensory difficulties, serotonin system
Jan. 28, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers have established a link between the neurotransmitter serotonin and certain behaviors of some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a link that may lead to new treatments for ASD.
Study further links immune response, serotonin signaling
Nov. 5, 2015—Vanderbilt University scientists are a step closer to understanding how inflammation in the body can affect mood and behavior.
Keep your coat on, virus!
Sep. 22, 2015—A compound acting on serotonin receptors delays a critical step during reovirus cell entry, reducing viral infectivity.
Preventing hardened heart valves
Dec. 26, 2012—Blocking a serotonin receptor may provide a novel therapy for heart valve disease.
Biomarkers may offer autism clues
Jul. 31, 2012—A combination of biomarkers may reveal new clues about causes of and potential interventions for autism.
Probing the roots of depression by tracking serotonin regulation at a new level
Jun. 27, 2012—An interdisciplinary team of scientists have successfully tagged a protein that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin with tiny fluorescent beads, allowing them to track the movements of individual molecules for the first time. This capability makes it possible to study the manner in which serotonin regulates mood, appetite and sleep at a new level of detail.
Seeing serotonin neurons in action
Feb. 9, 2011—Serotonin – a chemical that has roles in multiple brain functions, including mood, sleep and cognition – is manufactured by clusters of brainstem neurons gathered in the raphé nuclei. A reliable, non-invasive imaging method for assessing raphé neuron activity would be valuable for understanding serotonin signaling in depression and related conditions. Using functional magnetic resonance...