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Serotonin and brain development: role in human developmental diseases
1Program in Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, SUNY at Stony Brook, 11794-2500, USA. whitaker@psych1.psy.sunysb.edu
Brain Research Bulletin
|December 26, 2001
Abstract:
Serotonin is known to play a role in brain development prior to the time it assumes its role as a neurotransmitter in the mature brain. Serotonin regulates both the development of serotonergic neurons (termed autoregulation of development) and the development of target tissues. In both cases, the astroglial-derived protein, S-100beta plays a role. Disruption of serotonergic development can leave permanent alterations in brain function and behavior. This may be the case in such human developmental illnesses as autism and Down Syndrome.