Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
J Cell Biol. 2010 Oct 4;191(1):7-13. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201006123.
The serotonin molecule has some remarkable properties. It is synthesized by two different genes at two different sites, and, surprisingly, plays antagonistic functions on bone mass accrual at these two sites. When produced peripherally, serotonin acts as a hormone to inhibit bone formation. In contrast, when produced in the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter to exert a positive and dominant effect on bone mass accrual by enhancing bone formation and limiting bone resorption. The effect of serotonin on bone biology could be harnessed pharmacologically to treat diseases such as osteoporosis.
血清素分子具有一些显著的特性。它由两个不同的基因在两个不同的部位合成,令人惊讶的是,它在这两个部位对骨量积累起着拮抗作用。当在周围产生时,血清素作为一种激素抑制骨形成。相比之下,当在大脑中产生时,血清素作为一种神经递质通过增强骨形成和限制骨吸收对骨量积累发挥积极和主导作用。血清素对骨生物学的影响可以通过药理学手段加以利用,以治疗骨质疏松症等疾病。