Product Description
Reference Standards &Impurity
AI Product Description
*The following content is generated by AI and is for reference only.
Serotonin, chemically known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a crucial monoamine neurotransmitter and hormone found primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and central nervous system of animals. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₂N₂O, and it is identified by the CAS Registry Number 50-67-9. This compound plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning ability, and various cognitive functions. In the human body, approximately 90% of serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells within the gut lining, where it regulates intestinal movements. The remaining portion operates within the brain, influencing emotional states; low levels are frequently associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
Beyond its neurological significance, serotonin acts as a potent vasoconstrictor when released from activated platelets into the bloodstream, aiding in hemostasis and wound healing. It also influences the function of smooth muscles throughout the body, including those in the bronchi and uterus. In pharmaceutical research, synthetic analogs of serotonin or drugs targeting its receptors (such as SSRIs) are widely utilized to treat psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks. Furthermore, serotonin serves as a vital tool in biochemical research for studying signal transduction pathways and receptor pharmacology. Its unique dual presence in both the peripheral and central systems makes it a fascinating subject for understanding the complex interplay between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the "gut-brain axis." As a standard reference material, high-purity serotonin is essential for analytical chemistry, ensuring accurate calibration in clinical diagnostics and scientific investigations regarding neurochemical balance and metabolic processes.