A recent study, published in the online version of The Journal of Neurophysiology, has unveiled the first complete model that details the role of serotonin in brain development and structure. The goal for researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine was to close the existing knowledge gap on role of serotonin in the brain cortex—especially as it pertains to brain circuitry, electrical activity and function.
“For the first time, we can provide a complete description of an animal model from genes to behavior—including at the level of neuronal network activity, which has been ignored in most studies to date,” said Roberto Fernández Galán, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT], is a vital neuromodulator of brain development as well as the structure and function of neuronal (nerve cell) circuits.
