Serotonergic Neuron

A neurons cell type of the human nervous system.

Raphe neuromodulatory neuron that releases serotonin broadly across the brain, influencing mood, sleep, appetite, arousal, and behavior.

Function

Widespread neuromodulation of arousal and sleep-wake state, mood-related circuits, appetite, sensory gain, pain, and behavioral flexibility.

Morphology

Medium-to-large multipolar/fusiform somata along the brainstem midline; highly collateralized, far-reaching axons that diffusely innervate cortical, limbic, and spinal targets.

Specification

  • Neurotransmitter: Serotonin (5-HT)
  • Co-transmitters: Substance P; TRH (in some raphe subsets); glutamate co-release in a subset
  • Receptors: 5-HT1A; 5-HT2A
  • Location: Raphe nuclei of the brainstem (dorsal and median raphe), with widely distributed ascending/descending projections
  • Projections: Widespread (cortex, amygdala, hippocampus)
  • Firing: Slow, regular
  • Markers: TPH2 (neuronal) and DDC/AADC (synthesis); SLC6A4/SERT and SLC18A2/VMAT2 (transport); FEV/Pet-1 and LMX1B (developmental identity)
  • Developmental origin: Hindbrain
  • Disease: Major depressive disorder; anxiety disorders
  • Cell Ontology: CL:0000850

References

  1. Jacobs BL & Azmitia EC (1992). Structure and function of the brain serotonin system.. Physiological reviews 72 PMID 1731370
  2. Hendricks TJ et al. (2003). Pet-1 ETS gene plays a critical role in 5-HT neuron development and is required for normal anxiety-like and aggressive behavior.. Neuron 37 PMID 12546819

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