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The effect of ambient temperature on serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a drug-induced toxicity caused by an excess of serotonin (5-HT) in the central nervous system (CNS). The symptoms of the disorder range from mild to severe, with the severe state evoking life-threatening hyperthermia. Autonomic dysfunction is controlled in part by serotonin receptors, with the 5-HT2A receptor responsible for increasing core body temperature (Tcor). Our results show that the 5-HT2A receptors on the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), in particular, are sensitive to changes in ambient temperature (Tamb). The toxic increase of 5-HT is postulated to occur due to the temperature-dependent activation of these receptors that promotes a positive feedback mechanism. Our results suggest that changes in Tamb can either exacerbate or alleviate the symptom and that this is mediated by the 5-HT2A receptors. Understanding the mechanism involved in elevating Tcor is imperative in treating and preventing the disorder. / by Swapna Krishnamoorthy. / Vita. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2008. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_2864
ContributorsKrishnamoorthy, Swapna., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
PublisherFlorida Atlantic University
Source SetsFlorida Atlantic University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatxiv, 168 p. : ill. (some col.)., electronic
Rightshttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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