Serotonin, serotonin receptors and their actions in insects

Serotonin is an ancient monoamine neurotransmitter, biochemically derived from tryptophan. It is most abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, but is also present throughout the rest of the body of animals and can even be found in plants and fungi. Serotonin is especially famous for its contributions to feelings of well-being and happiness. More specifically it is involved in learning and memory processes and is hence crucial for certain behaviors throughout the animal kingdom. This brief review will focus on the metabolism, biological role and mode-of-action of serotonin in insects. First, some general aspects of biosynthesis and break-down of serotonin in insects will be discussed, followed by an overview of the functions of serotonin, serotonin receptors and their pharmacology. Throughout this review comparisons are made with the vertebrate serotonergic system. Last but not least, possible applications of pharmacological adjustments of serotonin signaling in insects are discussed.