Serotonin Structure

Researchers determined the 3 d structure of the serotonin transporter and visualized how 2 common antidepressants interact with the protein.

Serotonin structure. Serotonin is a primary amino compound that is the 5 hydroxy derivative of tryptamine it has a role as a human metabolite a mouse metabolite and a neurotransmitter. Serotonin hydrochloride c10h13cln2o cid 160436 structure chemical names physical and chemical properties classification patents literature biological. Slice through the human serotonin transporter structure illustrating the ssri binding sites. As such it does not pass the lipophilic blood brain barrier readily.

Serotonin is a potent vasoconstrictor and functions as a neurotransmitter. This means that serotonin is a chemical substance synthesized in the brain that performs a large number of activities in the central nervous system. It derives from a tryptamine it is a conjugate base of a serotonin 1. The structures of serotonin and related compounds are shown in figure 13 1.

The combination of the hydroxyl group in the 5 position of the indole nucleus and a primary amine nitrogen serving as a proton acceptor at physiological ph makes 5 hta hydrophilic substance. It is a monoamine molecular messenger a primary amino compound a member of phenols a member of hydroxyindoles and a member of tryptamines. Serotonin also called 5 hydroxytryptamine a chemical substance that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. It occurs in the brain intestinal tissue blood platelets and mast cells and is a constituent of many venoms including wasp venom and toad venom.

The findings provide insights for designing new ways to target the transporter for more effective medications. More specifically however serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter i e a neurotransmitter. As we have discussed serotonin is popularly known as a hormone that secretes the human body.