The function of serotonin within the liver☆

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is known to regulate several key aspects of liver biology and these functions include hepatic blood flow, innervation and wound healing. Given the importance of these functions it is surprising that relatively little time has been dedicated to studying the precise function and mechanisms of serotonin within the liver. Here we describe what is known about serotonin and the liver and those receptor types that mediate the observed effects with an aim to stimulating new interest in the field of serotonin and liver biology.

Abbreviations: 5-HIAA, 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde, 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine, ANS, autonomic nervous system, BDEC, bile duct epithelial cell, CNS, central nervous system, ECM, extracellular matrix, ERK1/2, extracellular regulated kinase 1/2, GI, gastrointestinal, HSC, hepatic stellate cell, HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma, MAO, monoamine oxidase, PHx, partial hepatectomy, SEC, sinusoidal endothelial cell, SERT, serotonin transporter, SMV, superior mesenteric vein, SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Keywords: 5-Hydroxytryptamine/serotonin, Liver, Innervation, Haemodynamics, Wound healing