Is serotonin hyperalgesic or analgesic?
Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is an important molecule in pain processing and modulation. Whether 5-HT has an analgesic or hyperalgesic action depends on the cell type and type of receptor it acts on. In the periphery, 5-HT sensitizes afferent nerve fibers, thus contributing to hyperalgesia in inflammation and nerve injury. In the trigeminal system, agonism at 5-HT1B/D receptors reduces neurotransmitter release, but actions through the 5-HT2A receptor may underlie chronic headache. Furthermore, genetic alterations in the 5-HT system may influence the susceptibility to migraine. In the central nervous system, 5-HT is involved in descending inhibition, but facilitatory serotonergic pathways may be functionally more important.
Department of Neurology, Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany. sommer@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Claudia
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Sommer
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000209:etiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D012701:Serotonin