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Serotonin and blood pressure regulation
Stephanie W Watts1, Shaun F Morrison, Robert Patrick Davis
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA. wattss@msu.edu
Pharmacological Reviews
|March 13, 2012
Summary
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) significantly impacts blood pressure through various tissues and the autonomic nervous system. Understanding its role is crucial for managing conditions like hypertension and circulatory shock.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuropharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) is well-studied for neural effects, but its role in blood pressure regulation is less understood.
- Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors highlight the known impact of serotonin on the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the function and pharmacology of serotonin in systemic blood pressure control.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which serotonin influences blood pressure across various organ systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on serotonin's effects on blood pressure.
- Analysis of serotonin's role in blood, vasculature, heart, adrenal gland, kidney, and brain.
- Comparison of blood pressure changes across species following serotonin administration.
Main Results:
- Serotonin exerts diverse effects on blood pressure through interactions with the autonomic nervous system.
- Pharmacological studies reveal specific receptor-mediated actions influencing cardiovascular parameters.
- Commonly used drugs affecting serotonin pathways demonstrate significant blood pressure modifications.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin plays a critical, multifaceted role in regulating systemic blood pressure.
- Further research into serotonin's cardiovascular pharmacology is essential for clinical applications.
- Understanding serotonin's influence is key for treating conditions such as hypertension and circulatory shock.
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