Izabella Prządo, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher and David Aebisher
Medical College of The University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland

Part of the book: The Biochemical Guide to Hormones

Abstract

Serotonin is produced in the body by hydroxylation and decarboxylation of tryptophan, an essential amino acid – it must be constantly supplied in the diet. Foods rich in this compound are: fish (especially tuna and cod), milk, cheese, and pumpkin and other seeds, which is why a proper diet is so important for the proper functioning of the body. Serotonin is most concentrated in platelets and the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for the regulation of numerous biological processes such as: appetite, body temperature, blood pressure, and contraction of the bronchial muscles and blood vessels. The presence of serotonin is extremely important not only because of its regulation of mood, circadian rhythms, aggression, anxiety, but also it is responsible for smooth muscle contraction, proper body temperature, coagulation processes and proper blood flow due to pressure regulation.

Keywords: serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, N-acetylserotonin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), carcinoid tumors

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