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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
11:27
Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D
Published on: March 16, 2017
Multiple cellular responses to serotonin contribute to epithelial homeostasis
Vaibhav P Pai1, Nelson D Horseman
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 11, 2011
Summary
Serotonin triggers reversible mammary epithelial cell shedding and barrier disruption. Sustained exposure causes irreversible apoptosis, impacting epithelial regeneration and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Epithelial Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Epithelial homeostasis relies on cell turnover, involving differentiation and cell loss.
- Triggers regulating epithelial cell loss and turnover remain largely unknown.
- Serotonin acts as an autocrine/paracrine regulator in various epithelia, including the breast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of serotonin on mammary epithelial turnover.
- To determine serotonin's role in regulating epithelial cell shedding, apoptosis, and barrier function.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies using mouse models.
- Utilized a human mammary duct epithelium model (MCF10A).
- Assessed effects on cell shedding, apoptosis, and tight junction integrity.
Main Results:
- Serotonin induced reversible mammary epithelial cell shedding and tight junction disruption.
- Sustained serotonin exposure led to apoptosis in replenishing cells.
- These events caused irreversible changes to the epithelial membrane.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin modulates mammary epithelial turnover through reversible and irreversible mechanisms.
- Staggered effects of serotonin shift epithelial balance from reversible to irreversible.
- Findings have implications for controlling epithelial regeneration and treating related pathologies.
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