Modulatory role of serotonin on feeding behavior

• Published in: Nutritional neuroscience Vol. 13; no. 6; pp. 246 - 255
• Main Authors: Magalhães, Carolina Peixoto, de Freitas, Manuela Figueiroa Lyra, Nogueira, Maria Inês, Campina, Renata Cristinny de Farias, Takase, Luiz Fernando, de Souza, Sandra Lopes, de Castro, Raul Manhães
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.12.2010
• Subjects: Animals; Cholecystokinin - physiology; Energy Metabolism - physiology; FEEDING BEHAVIOR; Feeding Behavior - drug effects; Feeding Behavior - physiology; Homeostasis; Humans; Hypothalamus - physiology; Neurons - physiology; Neuropeptide Y - physiology; Pro-Opiomelanocortin - physiology; Receptors, Serotonin - physiology; SEROTONERGIC RECEPTORS; SEROTONERGIC SYSTEM; Serotonin - physiology; Synaptic Transmission
• ISSN: 1028-415X; 1476-8305
• DOI: 10.1179/147683010X12611460764723

The appearance, the odor, and the flavor of foods, all send messages to the encephalic area of the brain. The hypothalamus, in particular, plays a key role in the mechanisms that control the feeding behavior. These signals modulate the expression and the action of anorexigenic or orexigenic substances that influence feeding behavior. The serotonergic system of neurotransmission consists of neurons that produce and liberate serotonin as well as the serotonin-specific receptor. It has been proven that some serotonergic drugs are effective in modulating the mechanisms of control of feeding behavior. Obesity and its associated illnesses have become significant public health problems. Some drugs that manipulate the serotonergic systems have been demonstrated to be effective interventions in the treatment of obesity. The complex interplay between serotonin and its receptors, and the resultant effects on feeding behavior have become of great interest in the scientific community.