Serotonin/serotonergic system synthesis

Manipulation of the serotonergic system in animal models can be implemented with several strategies inhibition of serotonin synthesis, destruction of serotonin neurons, use of serotonin antagonists, and increase of serotonin function. 

Addition of exogenous tryptophan increases endogenous serotonin synthesis [Barr et al. 1992, 1993]. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is an increase in the activity of the serotonergic system. Charney et al. [1988] have demonstrated a small but significant rise in prolactin in response to an intravenous administration of tryptophan in 21 patients with OCD compared with 21 psychiatrically healthy control subjects. 

In this section the emphasis is placed on the serotonergic system in the context of the CNS. The chemical manipulation of the serotonergic system within the CNS can be achieved either directly, for example by the use of S-hTT receptor agonists (e.g. migraine, depression) or antagonists (e.g. emesis), or indirectly by the manipulation of serotonin synthesis and turnover. The latter principle is of particular importance when treating a variety of depressive disorders. 

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