Serotonin enzyme helps explain psychiatric disorders
9 July 2004
by Richard
Conan-Davies
|
Seratonin on the brain has again shown to be a key factor in the brain that determines a range of basic behaviours. Some of these behaviours include being hyperactive, depressed or shy. Now researchers from the Univeristy of Duke in the US have shown the importance of an enzyme that changes the behviours in mice. In this case they discovered a variation in the enzymes that produce serotonin Dr. Marc Caron and James B. Duke who led the study told the University that "For the first time, we've identified a naturally occurring genetic difference that controls the production of serotonin in the brain," This has implications in the way some anti-depressant drugs might work. It is hoped that some people that may be lacking a particular type of serotonin enzyme might benefit from a more specific medication. |
 The gene that produces the enzymes for serotonin in mice have a big impact on their behaviour. |
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