Biomaterial Database

5-HT and the immune system. 2011

Gerard P Ahern

Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States. gpa3@georgetown.edu

The classical neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-HT), plays an important role outside of the central nervous system in immune signaling. Here I review recent studies describing 5-HT uptake in dendritic cells and B lymphocytes, 5-HT synthesis in T lymphocytes, and the role of specific 5-HT receptor subtypes in innate and adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, a recent paper describing the immune phenotype of 5-HT deficient mice is discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007107	Immune System	The body's defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components.	Immune Systems,System, Immune,Systems, Immune
D011985	Receptors, Serotonin	Cell-surface proteins that bind SEROTONIN and trigger intracellular changes which influence the behavior of cells. Several types of serotonin receptors have been recognized which differ in their pharmacology, molecular biology, and mode of action.	5-HT Receptor,5-HT Receptors,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptors, Tryptamine,Serotonin Receptor,Serotonin Receptors,Tryptamine Receptor,Tryptamine Receptors,Receptors, 5-HT,Receptors, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,5 HT Receptor,5 HT Receptors,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptor, 5-HT,Receptor, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,Receptor, Serotonin,Receptor, Tryptamine,Receptors, 5 HT,Receptors, 5 Hydroxytryptamine
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012701	Serotonin	A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator.	5-HT,5-Hydroxytryptamine,3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol,Enteramine,Hippophaine,Hydroxytryptamine,5 Hydroxytryptamine
D015398	Signal Transduction	The intracellular transfer of information (biological activation/inhibition) through a signal pathway. In each signal transduction system, an activation/inhibition signal from a biologically active molecule (hormone, neurotransmitter) is mediated via the coupling of a receptor/enzyme to a second messenger system or to an ion channel. Signal transduction plays an important role in activating cellular functions, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. Examples of signal transduction systems are the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-postsynaptic receptor-calcium ion channel system, the receptor-mediated T-cell activation pathway, and the receptor-mediated activation of phospholipases. Those coupled to membrane depolarization or intracellular release of calcium include the receptor-mediated activation of cytotoxic functions in granulocytes and the synaptic potentiation of protein kinase activation. Some signal transduction pathways may be part of larger signal transduction pathways; for example, protein kinase activation is part of the platelet activation signal pathway.	Cell Signaling,Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction,Signal Pathways,Receptor Mediated Signal Transduction,Signal Transduction Pathways,Signal Transduction Systems,Pathway, Signal,Pathway, Signal Transduction,Pathways, Signal,Pathways, Signal Transduction,Receptor-Mediated Signal Transductions,Signal Pathway,Signal Transduction Pathway,Signal Transduction System,Signal Transduction, Receptor-Mediated,Signal Transductions,Signal Transductions, Receptor-Mediated,System, Signal Transduction,Systems, Signal Transduction,Transduction, Signal,Transductions, Signal