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The cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system: securing a place under the sun
Andrzej Slominski1, Jacobo Wortsman, Desmond J Tobin
1Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. aslominski@utmem.edu <aslominski@utmem.edu>
Summary
Mammalian skin produces serotonin and melatonin, influencing skin function and cellular processes. This cutaneous system helps protect the skin from environmental and internal stresses, maintaining its overall health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mammalian skin synthesizes serotonin and converts it to melatonin.
- Serotonin and melatonin pathways are characterized in human and rodent skin cells.
- Skin cells express receptors for serotonin and melatonin, mediating cellular actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the roles of the cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system in skin physiology.
- To understand the mechanisms of serotonin and melatonin action in the skin.
- To compare the cutaneous system's response to the pineal gland's.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of biosynthesis and biodegradation pathways.
- Analysis of receptor expression in skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts).
- Investigation of serotonin and melatonin's phenotypic effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation.
Main Results:
- Serotonin and melatonin receptors are present in key skin cells.
- Melatonin has receptor-independent protective effects against oxidative stress and modifies metabolism.
- Serotonin has pro-edema, vasodilatory, and proinflammatory effects, while melatonin influences hair growth, pigmentation, and melanoma.
Conclusions:
- The cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system acts in an intra-, auto-, or paracrine manner, compartmentalizing skin functions.
- Unlike the pineal gland, the skin system responds to continuous stimulation.
- This system buffers stresses, preserving skin integrity and homeostasis.