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Published on: March 19, 2014
Serotoninergic mechanisms in human feeding: the pharmacological evidence
Abstract:
This paper reviews the evidence of serotoninergic mechanisms in human feeding by considering the effects of 5-HT agonists, precursors and receptor antagonists on hunger, food intake and weight change in normal volunteers, obese people and psychiatric patients. Although there is compelling evidence for a serotonin (5-HT) mechanism being involved, the paper highlights the considerable individual variation in response to pharmacological manipulation of 5-HT. Such variation may reflect differences in the bio-availability of the drugs used. Subtle psychological factors may also play a role in blurring the pharmacological evidence for 5-HT involvement in the highly complex activity of human feeding.
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