Pathophysiology of the Serotonin System in the Nervous System and Beyond 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

In the 1940s, Vittorio Erspamer discovered that an extract, which he prepared from enterochromaffin cells and named enteramine, caused contraction of the intestinal tissue. Ten years later, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) was discovered in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems, and successively, its role as an essential neurotransmitter was revealed. Contextually, it was shown that enteramine was the same substance as serotonin. Strikingly, 5-HT is mostly found outside the nervous system, and virtually all 14 serotonin receptors are expressed outside as well as inside the brain.

Serotonin is a neuromodulator present in most organs of numerous species, and plays a role in multiple biological functions. It is also involved in numerous diseases related to peripheral organ dysfunction (e.g., gastrointestinal disorders, cardiac arrhythmia, and hypertension) and central nervous system dysfunction (e.g., obsessive compulsive disorders, addiction, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases). Serotonergic defects are often difficult to uncover in a given disease because they could originate from synthesis/catabolism dysfunction, alteration of the activity of serotonergic cells, changes in reuptake capabilities, and/or transmission. It is acknowledged that serotonin can exert its effects through a plethora of serotonin receptors, and that these receptors can be altered in most diseases. Additionally, an imbalance of serotonin transmission is associated with the dysfunction of other systems, including hormones, neurotrophins, inflammatory systems, and other neurotransmitter systems. The successful identification of the pathomechanisms associated with serotonin system dysfunctions at molecular/cellular levels is expected to enhance the existing serotonin-based medications for numerous diseases.

Continuing the success of our first edition (https://0-www-mdpi-com.brum.beds.ac.uk/journal/ijms/special_issues/Serotonin), we invite authors to contribute to this Special Issue of IJMS, “Pathophysiology of the Serotonin System in the Nervous System and Beyond 2.0” which aims to collate original articles and reviews, particularly research at the molecular level, from different fields of study pertaining to the advancements in the exploration of the serotonin system’s role in the nervous and other systems. Please note that clinical research and survey studies are not suitable for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Di Giovanni
Guest Editor

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• pathophysiology
• serotonin receptor
• serotonin metabolism
• pharmacology
• molecular pathway
• system interaction
• omics
• treatments
• neurodegeneration