Effect of Serotonergic Agent on Gastrointestinal Functions

Review

The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2010;10(1):6-13.
Published online July 10, 2010.

위장관 기능에 있어 세로토닌계 약물의 효과

김미영ㆍ정훈용

울산대학교 의과대학 소화기내과학교실, 서울아산병원 및 소화기병연구소

Abstract

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) plays an important role in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) motility, sensitivity, secretion, and regulation of cell growth by the receptors (5-HT₁∼5-HT₇) on enterocytes, instrinsic enteric neurons, extrinsic afferents, and smooth muscle cells. Functional GI disorder may relate to abnormal 5-HT activities in the gut and brain. Agonists and antagonists of several 5-HT receptor subtypes and agents that prevent 5-HT reuptake have documented benefits in functional GI disorder, however, their usefulness is underestimated by side effects which may or may not relate to their actions on 5-HT receptors. This review focuses on the effects of agents act on the serotonin receptor and agents that modulate serotonin uptake and synthesis and describes their therapeutic potential of these actions with side effects for functional GI disorder. (The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2010;10:6-13)

Key Words: Serotonin, Serotonin receptor, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor