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Serotonin and Serotonin Transport in the Regulation of Lactation

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Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT), classically known as a neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep, appetite, memory, sexual behavior, neuroendocrine function and mood is also synthesized in epithelial cells located in many organs throughout the body, including the mammary gland. The function of epithelial 5-HT is dependent on the expression of the 5-HT receptors in a particular system. The conventional components of a classic 5-HT system are found within the mammary gland; synthetic enzymes (tryptophan hydroxylase I, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase), several 5-HT receptors and the 5-HT reuptake transporter (SERT). In the mammary gland, two actions of 5-HT through two different 5-HT receptor subtypes have been described: negative feedback on milk synthesis and secretion, and stimulation of parathyroid hormone related-protein, a calcium-mobilizing hormone. As with neuronal systems, the regulation of 5-HT activity is multifactorial, but one seminal component is reuptake of 5-HT from the extracellular space following its release. Importantly, the wide availability of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) allows the manipulation of 5-HT activity in a biological system. Here, we review the role of 5-HT in mammary gland function, review the biochemistry, genetics and physiology of SERT, and discuss how SERT is vital to the function of the mammary gland.

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Abbreviations

5-HT:

serotonin

SERT:

serotonin transporter

SSRI:

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

5-HTP:

5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan

TPH:

tryptophan hydroxylase

AADC:

aromatic amine decarboxylase

MAO:

monoamine oxidase

5-HIAA:

5-hydroxyindole acetic acid

RANKL:

receptor activator of NF-κB ligand

PTHrP:

parathyroid hormone related protein

VMAT:

vesicular monoamine transporters

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Education, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0576, USA

    Aaron M. Marshall

  2. Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, 1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI, 53706-1205, USA

    Laura L. Hernandez

  3. Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Program in Systems Biology and Physiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0576, USA

    Nelson D. Horseman

Authors
  1. Aaron M. Marshall
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  2. Laura L. Hernandez
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  3. Nelson D. Horseman
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Correspondence to Nelson D. Horseman.

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Marshall, A.M., Hernandez, L.L. & Horseman, N.D. Serotonin and Serotonin Transport in the Regulation of Lactation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 19, 139–146 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-013-9304-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-013-9304-6

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