serotonin

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ser- Proto-Indo-European *sér-o-der. Proto-Italic *serom Latin serumder. English serum English sero- English tone Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Indo-European *-iHnos Proto-Italic *-īnos Latin -īnusder. Old French -inbor. Middle English -in English -ineclip. English -in English serotonin From sero- + tone + -in.

1. An indoleamine neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine, that is involved in depression, appetite, etc., and is crucial in maintaining a sense of well-being, security, etc.

   “Notably, mouse lines targeting genes codifying for serotonin receptors, for enzymes involved in 5-HT synthesis as Tph1 and Tph2, in its metabolism as monoaminoxidase A (MAOA) or in its re-uptake as serotonin transporter (SERT), have been generated.”

   “The class of antidepressants most commonly associated with sexual dysfunction is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which treat depression by ultimately increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.”