Serotonin is involved in mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction. It is synthesized from tryptophan and metabolized to 5-HIAA, and acts on various receptors in the CNS and peripheral tissues. Serotonin is a hormone synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Learn about low, normal, and high levels, plus controversial theories. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter with an integral physiological role in the human body; it regulates various activities, including behavior, mood, memory, and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Serotonin is a biological molecule that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and neurotransmitter. It is derived from the amino acid tryptophan and occurs in the brain, intestinal tissue, blood platelets, and mast cells. It also is a constituent of many venoms, including wasp venom and toad venom.
