Serotonin (also known as 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that is found throughout the body.[1,2,3] The wide dispersal of serotonergic neurones throughout the brain enables serotonin to be involved in modulating diverse body functions. Body functions modulated by serotonin include:[1]

  • mood
  • sleep
  • cognition
  • sensory perception
  • pain perception
  • movement
  • regulation of internal temperature
  • appetite
  • sexual behaviour
  • hormone secretion

References:
[1] Brunton LL, Lazo JS, Parker KL (eds). Goodman & Gilman’s the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2006.

[2] Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. (eds). Neuroscience. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates ,2008

[3] Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 4th edition. © Cambridge University Press, 2013.