Authors: G. D. Pino; R. Moessner; K. P. Lesch; J. M. Lauder; A. M. Persico

Source: Current Neuropharmacology, Volume 2, Number 4, October 2004 , pp. 403-417(15)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

During pre- and early postnatal development, the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) modulates cell proliferation, migration and programmed cell death, as well as cell shape and cell-cell coupling. These “trophic” effects of 5-HT, involving the cytoskeletal function, the cell cycle, and programmed cell death, can be both dependent and independent of the changes in resting membrane potential that typically define neurotransmitter action. The morphogenetic role of 5-HT is neither limited to the central nervous system (CNS), nor does it impinge upon just a single aspect of cell biology. Ontogenic differences in regional and temporal expression patterns of 5-HT receptors mediating these effects in different systems add further complexity. This review summarizes neurobiological evidence for the trophic involvement of 5-HT during development and discusses related medical issues, including potential teratological risks and possible novel therapeutic indications of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) administration.

Keywords: 5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-ht receptor; actin; barrel; monoamine oxidase a; serotonin transporter; vesicular monoamine transporter; whisker

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159043359495

Affiliations: 1: Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University “Campus Bio-Medico”, Via Longoni 83, I-00155 Rome, Italy.

Publication date: 2004-10-01

More about this publication?

• Current Neuropharmacology aims to provide current, timely and comprehensive reviews of all areas of neuropharmacology and related matters of neuroscience. The journal publishes reviews written by experts and leaders in the fields of molecular, cellular, and systems/behavioural aspects of neuropharmacology and neuroscience. The journal serves as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary expert forum for neuropharmacologists and neuroscientists.

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