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Serotonin Syndrome: This syndrome occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. It could result from the intake of more than one drug that affects serotonin (Prozac, Citox, etc) along with other medications. The intake of certain drugs such as cocaine, LSD or ecstasy can also cause serotonin syndrome.It can be treated using administered usage of muscle relaxants to help decrease serotonin levels and restore any loss of bodily fluids. With the proper treatment, symptoms of the syndrome including nausea, diarrhea, and hallucinations and vomiting will disappear within a day.This syndrome can be fatal if not treated properly (Serotonin Properties, 2014).
Serotonin to Treat Depression: Medications used to suppress depression are usually called ‘selective serotonin inhibitors’ (SSRIs). These drugs alter neuron function by blocking the reuptake of serotonin back into the cell (after the bind with the receptors). This causes serotonin activity to be increased. SSRIs also minimize toxicity and are specific towards serotonin (thus leaving other neurotransmitters to do their functions without distraction). An example of an SSRI would be Fluxentine (Prozac). Along with depression, Prozac is also used to treat low self-esteem, fear rejection, and the lack of ability to feel pleasure. The buildup of side effects due to SSRIs is classified as Serotonin Syndrome. Some researchers say that using the amino acid Tryptophan is a better way to help raise serotonin levels while also minimizing side effects while others say that simple physical exercise does the job just as well (Byrd, 1999).
Serotonin Receptor Imaging: Various radioactive tracers are used for serotonin imaging. to help diagnose several health problems such as epilepsy and depression. The imaging system can also help identify any treatment options and planning. Table 1 shows different potential clinical uses of serotonin:. However, currently, serotonin receptor imaging is not used as a regulatory imagining process, and this is because of four main reasons:
1. The group of people wiho can actually be benefitted from this type of imaging is very limited
2. Even if a substantial amount of people were to be used as a study population, there would still be significant overlap between this study population and a normal population (which would be used to compare the study population to), and there would not be clear results.
3. Abnormalities in serotonin are not usually replicated in a group (i.e. they are very rare).
4. With imaging technology continuously improving, there is no set technology or imaging system to do these serotonin imaging tests (Parsey 2010).
APPLICATIONS OF SEROTONIN
Serotonin - not just for transporting messages in the brain!
An example of how serotonin imaging can be used is in the case of major depression. Depressed subjects tend to have more binding sites for certain serotonin receptors than non-depressed subjects. Furthermore, depressed subjects seem to have a higher percentage of oxidase A in several parts of their brain versus subjects without depression. Oxidase A is the enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin, and also helps break down certain anti-depressants. This information is still being used to do diagnostic testing in patients who may have depression (Parsey, 2010).
This image shows Serotonin Receptor 1A (5-HT1A​) imaging. Non-medicated depressed patients (NRM) have higher receptor binding potential than healthy patients (CTR) due to lack of serotonin (thus leaving binding sites open).
Finally, serotonin receptor imaging can also be used for treatment planning. For example, one study showed that patients with a higher 5-HT1A binding potential also had increased resistance to anti-depressant medications. This could help identify if a certain medication is right for a patient, or if alternate means of treatment should be considered (Parsey, 2010).
A simple animation displays the reuptake of serotonin