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How is serotonin synthesized?
Serotonin is formed from the amino acid tryptophan by the actions of two enzymes, tryptophan hydroxylase and an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and is produced by a small collection of neurons in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem.
How is serotonin metabolized?
- Serotonin reuptake transporters (SERT) move serotonin into nerve terminals.
- Monoamine oxidase-mediated oxidative deamination produces the major serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
- N -Acetylation of serotonin by cells of the pineal gland is followed by O -methylation to produce the hormone melatonin.
