Modulatory role of serotonin on feeding behavior.
The appearance, the odor, and the flavor of foods, all send messages to the encephalic area of the brain. The hypothalamus, in particular, plays a key role in the mechanisms that control the feeding behavior. These signals modulate the expression and the action of anorexigenic or orexigenic substances that influence feeding behavior. The serotonergic system of neurotransmission consists of neurons that produce and liberate serotonin as well as the serotonin-specific receptor. It has been proven that some serotonergic drugs are effective in modulating the mechanisms of control of feeding behavior. Obesity and its associated illnesses have become significant public health problems. Some drugs that manipulate the serotonergic systems have been demonstrated to be effective interventions in the treatment of obesity. The complex interplay between serotonin and its receptors, and the resultant effects on feeding behavior have become of great interest in the scientific community.
Centro Acadêmico de Vitoria/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Rua do Alto do Reservatório, S/N - Bela Vista - CEP 55608-680, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brasil. peixotocarolted@hotmail.com
Carolina Peixoto
CP
Magalhães
Manuela Figueiroa Lyra
MF
de Freitas
Maria Inês
MI
Nogueira
Renata Cristinny de Farias
RC
Campina
Luiz Fernando
LF
Takase
Sandra Lopes
SL
de Souza
Raul Manhães
RM
de Castro
D000818:Animals; D002766:Cholecystokinin / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000502:physiology; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin / Q000502:physiology; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin; D002766:Cholecystokinin