Chemicals and Drugs

Serotonin

A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator.

Chemical Identity

Chemical Information

Molecular Formula
C10H12N2O
Molecular Weight
176.21 g/mol
CAS Registry No.
50-67-9
IUPAC Name
3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol
InChIKey
QZAYGJVTTNCVMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
C1=CC2=C(C=C1O)C(=CN2)CCN
MeSH Unique ID
D012701
Source
PubChem CID 5202

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Narrower headings

Related Concepts

Knowledge Graph

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Drug Class

Pharmacological Action

MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

7 entry terms
  • 3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol
  • 5-HT
  • 5-Hydroxytryptamine
  • Enteramine
  • Hippophaine
  • 5 Hydroxytryptamine
  • Hydroxytryptamine

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

27 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, analysis, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, deficiency, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

/antag = SEROTONIN ANTAGONISTS but consider also SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS

MeSH Record

History Note

HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE was see SEROTONIN 1975-92

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D02w.092w.211w.215.801w.852w
  2. D03w.633.100.473.914w.814w
  3. D23.469.050w.650w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QV 126

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Serotonin. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012701. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012701
  2. Serotonin. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin
  3. Serotonin. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q167934
  4. Serotonin. In: PubChem Compound. CID 5202. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5202