History of the discovering the "serotonin"?

Question

When was the brain chemical called "serotonin" discovered? By who?

And when was the first anti-depressant using the serotonin invented?

Answer 1

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the CNS, serotonin is believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, emesis (vomiting), sexuality and appetite. Serotonin has been thought to play a part in many disorders, notably as part of the biochemistry of depression, migraine, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Recent research suggests that serotonin also plays an important role in liver regeneration and acts as a mitogen (induces cell division) throughout the body.[1]

Isolated and named in 1948 by Maurice M. Rapport, the name "serotonin" is something of a misnomer and reflects the circumstances of the compound's discovery. It was initially identified as a vasoconstrictor substance in blood serum — hence serotonin, a serum agent affecting vascular tone. This agent was later chemically identified as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by Rapport, and, as the broad range of physiological roles were elucidated, 5-HT became the preferred name in the pharmacological field.

Chemical name 5-Hydroxytryptamine or
3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol
Chemical formula N2OC10H12
Molecular mass 176.2182 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass 176.0950 g/mol
Composition (weight) N: 15.8970% O: 9.0793%
C: 68.1598% H: 6.8638%
CAS number 50-67-9
SMILES NCCC1=CNC2=C1C=C(O)C=C2
IUPAC InChI ID 1/C10H12N2O/c11-4-3-7-6-12-10-2-1-
8(13)5-9(7)10/h1-2,5-6,12-13H,3-4,11H2
In the body, serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by a short metabolic pathway consisting of two enzymes — TPH(1,2) and DDC. TPH1 reaction controls the flux through the pathway. The gut secretes over 95% of the body's serotonin[2].

The MAOIs prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters (including serotonin), and therefore increase concentrations of the neurotransmitter in the brain. MAOI therapy is associated with many adverse drug reactions, and patients are at risk of hypertensive crisis triggered by foods with high tyramine-content and certain drugs.

Some drugs inhibit this re-uptake of serotonin, again making it stay in the synapse longer. The tricyclic antidepressants inhibit the re-uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. The newer Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have fewer (though still numerous) side effects and fewer interactions with other drugs.

Recent research conducted at Rockefeller University shows that in both patients who suffer from depression and in mice that model that disease, levels of the p11 protein are decreased. This protein is related to serotonin transmission within the brain.[5]

Serotonin synthesis
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a monoamine neurotransmitter found in cardiovascular tissue, the peripheral nervous system, blood cells, and the central nervous system.

Serotonin plays a variety of roles in neurological function. In the CNS, the cell bodies for serotonergic neurons are found in the raphe region in the brainstem/pons region. Serotonin also serves as a precursor for melatonin production in the pineal gland.

The biosynthesis of serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan is similar to that found for the catecholamines, and 5-hydroxytryptophan can cross the BBB to increase central levels of 5-HT. p-Chlorophenylalanine can competitively inhibit tryptophan hydroxylase to prevent serotonin synthesis.