Serotonin

The Role of Serotonin in Gastrointestinal Motility Introduction The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an essential, independent system of monitoring and control regulating nutrient absorption, secretion, motility, blood flow, and sensation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (reviewed by Beattie and Smith, 2008; Molderings, 2012). The ENS consists of more than 100 million neurons scattered throughout the gut in clusters called ganglia, which innervate adjacent tissues and organs, including the esophagus

discontinuation of all serotonergic agents, aggressive control of agitation with benzodiazepines, and supportive care • Most cases of serotonin syndrome are mild and respond well to simple withdrawal of the offending agent - 70% usually resolve within one day • Cases that do not respond or have delayed response to withdrawal of serotonergic agents may benefit from serotonin receptor antagonists • Hypotension should be addressed with intravenous fluids and pressors • Hyperthermia may require intubation

Hallucinogens typically act by stimulating serotonin receptors at different times or for longer durations than serotonin itself would (Kalat 2004). When psilocybin enters the brain, the enzyme alkaline breaks down one of its phosphate groups through hydrolysis. It then becomes psilocin, an even stronger hallucinogen (Psilocybin 2003). It is particularly potent due to the position of its hydroxyl group (Jacobs 1984). Psilocin is a postsynaptic serotonin receptor agonist. In other words, its

the reuptake transporters into the serotonin axon terminal of the neurons in the brain. The MDMA then causes much of the stored serotonin in the axon terminal vesicle to be released. As the electrical signal travels down the axon it also causes release of the other two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. (Volkow, 2014). Serotonin cell dendrites and cell bodies start at a specific area of the brain called the raphe nuclei. The axons on these serotonin cells are quite long and extend into

The Spirit Molecule (DMT): An Endogenous Psychoactive "The feeling of doing DMT is as though one had been struck by noetic lightning. The ordinary world is almost instantaneously replaced, not only with a hallucination, but a hallucination whose alien character is its utter alienness. Nothing in this world can prepare one for the impressions that fill your mind when you enter the DMT sensorium."- McKenna. N,N-dimethyltryptamine(DMT) is a psychoactive chemical in the tryptamine family

the activity of at least three neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers of brain cells): serotonin, dopamine, and nor epinephrine" (The Brain's Response to Hallucinogens). This increase in activity can be either excitatory or inhibitory in nature depending on the neurotransmitter involved and which part of the reaction to the drug is taking place. Every area of the brain containing serotonin, dopamine, and/or norepinephrine is affected by MDMA, but the serotonergic and dopaminergic

synthesised and needs to be supplied with ailments. It is a precursor for various neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is essential for maintaining mood balance and the regulation of appetite. It is also regarded that a deficit of the neurotransmitter may lead to depression and other mood disorders. With that being said, intake of serotonin precursors is essential for the amount of serotonin in the brain. Tryptophan is absolutely necessary to life and is crucial, in terms of human diet. It has

serotonergic fibers, dopamine levels, and neurons. MDMA specifically has a direct effect on serotonin levels where it unleashes large amounts of it into the brain where there is not normally that amount present. The negative emotions and feelings that should be present that the brain is making is at the time is contained. With that much in the brain it leads to nerve endings and synpatic vesicles clouded with serotonin which stops the intake of the body producing

In fact, drugs which act on serotonin pathways in the brain are commonly used for the short-term management of obesity. Fenfluramine, one of the two drugs which make up the controversial diet pill "Fen-Phen," is an example of one such drug. Fenfluramine, along with dexfenfluramine (a similar, purified version of fenfluramine), acts by increasing serotonin activity in the brain, thus suppressing appetite and facilitating weight loss (5). It

The classifications of serotonin receptors, as well as drug classes that act upon serotonergic transmission are discussed below. This includes serotonin (5-HT) agonists, antagonists and medications that modulate 5-HT at the presynaptic level, all of which are of significant clinical relevance. Nuplazid (pimavanserin), is a selective serotonin inverse agonist (SSIA). Pimavanserin is a non-dopaminergic atypical antipsychotic drug with primarily selective inverse agonistic and minor selective inverse