Merck, H9523-1G, Serotonin hydrochloride

Serotonin is a ubiquitous molecule found in all animals. It shows diverse effects in the central and peripheral nervous system (CAN/PNS). Serotonin acts as a hormone and as a mitogen. It is produced in the axon terminal present in the brain. Action potential induces the release of serotonin that diffuses across the synapse to turn on the post-synaptic receptors. Serotonin plays a crucialrole in development, respiration, thermoregulation, endocrine, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal functions. It also plays a role in sensory perceptional behaviors such as the sleep-wake cycle, sex, mood, memory, aggression, pain sensitivity, learning, and cognition. Serotonin impacts several psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, depression, and a range of anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and social phobia. Variations in serotonin levels are associated withimpulse-related disorders or personalities like substance abuse, gambling, attention deficit disorder, obsessive-control, and aggression.