Posted by ed_uk2010 on October 9, 2010, at 14:31:12 [reposted on October 12, 2010, at 14:21:18 | original URL]
In reply to Serotonin Can Someone Explain the Gut Connection m, posted by Phillipa on October 9, 2010, at 13:16:42
>Now if they are saying too much serotonin in the gut causes bad bones.
Serotonin has numerous roles in the body. In the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter and regulates mood, sleep and appetite, amongst other things. Serotonin is also produced in the small intestine (in the duodenum). It is synthesised from the amino acid tryptophan which comes from the proteins in our food. Serotonin produced in the intestine is a seperate issue to the serotonin produced in the brain, they do not mix.
In the intestine, serotonin appears to affect gut motility (intestinal contractions). Some of the serotonin from the gut travels around the body in the bloodstream - inside platelets. Platelets require serotonin to allow them to stick together when the blood clots.
Serotonin also acts as a hormone; it acts on the cells of the skeleton and 'tells' them to slow the production of new bone. An experimental drug which blocks the formation of serotonin in the intestine may turn out to be a useful treatment for osteoporosis in humans. It has been shown to strengthen the bones of mice. Because the drug causes less serotonin to be released by the intestine into the blood, there is less serotonin to bind to bones and cause them to become weaker.
>Why do we take SSRIs. As I see a lot of complaints of stomach, intestinal problems. I don't get them so does it have a thing to do with the brain.
SSRIs do not cause more serotonin to be produced by the body, but they do modulate the effects of serotonin. All drugs can cause side effects. SSRIs can cause psychiatric side effects and gastro-intestinal side effects. They also increase the risk of abnormal bleeding, particularly gastic bleeding. This could be because they reduce platelet function.
There is some evidence that SSRIs reduce the formation of bone, and may reduce bone mineral density. The risk of fractures appears to be increased by long term use of SSRIs.
SSRIs can be beneficial in numerous conditions, notably depression and OCD. Appropriate use of medication involves balancing the risks with the benefits. You have to decide whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks for each individual patient.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:965510
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20100607/msgs/965511.html