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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
08:15
Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM
Published on: December 1, 2010
30.9K
Serotonergic Control of Gastrointestinal Development, Motility, and Inflammation
Sarah A Najjar1, Lin Y Hung1, Kara Gross Margolis1,2
1Department of Molecular Pathobiology, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA.
Comprehensive Physiology
|June 26, 2023
Summary
The majority of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is produced in the gut, not the brain. This review explores serotonin's roles in gut function and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is primarily synthesized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by enterochromaffin (EC) cells and the enteric nervous system (ENS).
- While known for central nervous system (CNS) functions, the gut is the main source of 5-HT.
- The GI tract expresses numerous 5-HT receptors involved in critical physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of 5-HT within the GI tract.
- To examine the involvement of 5-HT in gut functions including motility, sensation, inflammation, and neurogenesis.
- To discuss the significance of 5-HT in the pathophysiology of gut-brain interaction disorders (DGBIs) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on serotonin's role in the GI tract.
- Analysis of studies investigating 5-HT receptors and their functions.
- Examination of the link between 5-HT and DGBIs and IBD pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, sensation, inflammation, and neurogenesis.
- Dysregulation of 5-HT signaling is implicated in the development and progression of DGBIs and IBD.
- The GI tract is a major hub for 5-HT production and action, influencing gut physiology and disease.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin (5-HT) is a key mediator of gastrointestinal functions and a significant factor in gut-related diseases.
- Understanding the complex roles of 5-HT in the gut is essential for developing therapeutic strategies for DGBIs and IBD.
- Further research into gut-derived 5-HT signaling pathways can provide novel insights into gastrointestinal health and disease.
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