http://nro.sagepub.com/content/18/6/645.abstract?etoc
Abstract
N-Acetylserotonin (NAS) is a naturally
occurring chemical intermediate in biosynthesis of melatonin. Previous
studies have
shown that NAS has different brain distribution
patterns from those of serotonin and melatonin, suggesting that NAS
might
have functions other than as a precursor or
metabolite of melatonin. Indeed, several studies have now shown that NAS
may play
an important role in mood regulation and may have
antidepressant activity. Additional studies have shown that NAS
stimulates
proliferation of neuroprogenitor cells and prevents
some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation. It is believed that
the antidepressant and neurotrophic actions of NAS
are due at least in part to the capability on this molecule to activate
the TrkB receptor in a brain-derived neurotrophic
factor–independent manner. Emerging evidence also indicates that NAS and
its derivatives have neuroprotective properties and
protect retinal photoreceptor cells from light-induced degeneration. In
this review, the authors discuss the literature
about this exciting and underappreciated molecule.
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