This is the energy-minimized (semi-empirical; AM1 Hamiltonian) protonated structure of serotonin. It is presented as a 3-dimensional representation, which can be viewed using the crossed-eyes method (Look at the screen and cross your eyes until you have multiple images. Slowly relax your eyes until there are only three images, and focus on the central one). For the purposes of the Heffter Institute, this neurotransmistter molecule is where it all started. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced principally by neurons that arise from ancient groups of cell bodies in the brain stem known as the raphe nuclei. These cells project their axons to higher centers in the brain, and are believed to regulate very basic brain functions such as appetite, sleep, anxiety and other emotions, memory, sex, etc. New generation antidepressants alter serotonin function in the brain, and the newer antipsychotic drugs possess the ability to block certain kinds of serotonin receptors in the brain. The cerebral cortex has a very high density of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, principally located on apical dendrites of cortical neurons, and it has recently been proposed that these receptors play a key role in cognitive functions, by gating ion flows in these neurons. Well, that's no surprise, because we know that psychedelics target this same receptor, and they profoundly affect cognitive function! The role of serotonin in the brain continues to be a fascinating and intense area of research.
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