Gut-derived serotonin and its emerging roles in immune function, inflammation, metabolism and the gut–brain axis

Summary & key facts

Most of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut. New research shows this gut-made serotonin helps control the immune system, inflammation, how the body uses energy, and two-way signaling between the gut and the brain. These findings are new and not yet final. They suggest researchers might one day use gut serotonin as a target to treat or manage some illnesses, but more study is needed before that becomes real medical care.

Key facts:

• Most of the body’s serotonin comes from the gut rather than the brain. Serotonin is a chemical the body uses to send signals; when it is made outside the brain it is called peripheral serotonin.
• Scientists are finding that gut-derived serotonin influences the immune system and inflammatory responses. This means it can affect how the body reacts to infection or injury.
• Researchers also link gut serotonin to metabolism. That suggests it can play a role in how the body stores and uses energy and fat.
• Gut-derived serotonin seems to be part of the gut–brain axis, which is the two-way communication between the gut and the brain. Changes in this signaling could affect both gut and brain function.
• The evidence is described as emerging. This means the findings point to possible new targets for research and clinical treatment, but they are not yet established therapies and more work is needed.

Abstract

Emerging evidence regarding the role of peripheral 5-HT in the regulation of various physiological and pathophysiological conditions opens up new targets for researchers to explore and for clinicians to treat and manage different diseases associated with the altered 5-HT signalling.

Topics

Gastrointestinal motility and disorders Gut microbiota and health Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Categories

Gastroenterology Health Sciences Medicine

Tags

Bioinformatics Biology Cell biology Cellular metabolism Disease Immune Dysfunction Immune system Immunology Inflammation Medicine Metabolism Neuroscience Pathophysiology Peripheral Serotonin