Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

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.

Extent

xiv, 168 p. : ill. (some col.).

Comments

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.|by Swapna Krishnamoorthy.

Identifier

FADT186297

Format

pdf

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