How does serotonin affect platelets?
Serotonin is transported by platelets and released upon activation. This induces constriction of injured blood vessels and enhances platelet aggregation to minimize blood loss.
Do platelets take up serotonin?
Platelets are not able to synthesize serotonin, but take it up from plasma via 5-HTT, store it in dense granules (via VMAT-1), and release it into the blood during their activation.
What effects do SSRIs have on platelet function?
Some medications impair platelet function, leading to increased bruising and bleeding. SSRIs decrease an important platelet component called serotonin, which may cause bleeding in some patients. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and citalopram (Celexa).
Does serotonin cause platelet aggregation?
Serotonin secreted by platelets induces both platelet aggregation and coronary vasoconstriction. Even though serotonin itself is only a weak platelet agonist, it markedly enhances platelet reactions to a variety of other agonists.
What does a lack of serotonin cause?
Low levels of serotonin in the brain may cause depression, anxiety, and sleep trouble. Many doctors will prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to treat depression. They’re the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant.
What are the signs of too little serotonin?
Some common signs of serotonin deficiency include:
- Depression. Research increasingly points to a complex relationship between depression and serotonin.
- Changes in sleep.
- Chronic pain.
- Memory or learning issues.
- Anxiety.
- Schizophrenia.
- Problems with the body’s internal clock.
- Appetite issues.
How does serotonin show up in blood work?
More than 90% of serotonin in the blood is found in the platelets. Serotonin is a chemical substance that transmits messages between nerve cells. This test measures the amount of serotonin in the blood. Serotonin is a chemical derived from the amino acid tryptophan.
Is serotonin good or bad?
Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. However, if the brain has too little serotonin, it may lead to depression. If the brain has too much serotonin, it can lead to excessive nerve cell activity. It also helps reduce depression, regulate anxiety, and maintain bone health.
Does serotonin affect sleep?
Serotonin is also involved in preventing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Studies have shown that increasing serotonin through the use of SSRIs reduces REM sleep. While serotonin seems to both induce sleep and keep you up, it’s a chemical precursor to melatonin, the main hormone involved in sleep.