Article: La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine Scientists Discover New Link Between Serotonin and Airway Allergic Inflammation; Cutting Edge Research Report in September 15th Issue of the Journal of Immunology Shows Potential for Treating Allergic Asthma.

LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine (LJIMM) have discovered that serotonin, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is elevated in the blood of asthmatics, can directly cause an influx of eosinophils, which are proinflammatory cells generated in the bone marrow. These cells are recruited to sites of allergic inflammation, including the lungs, where they release toxic substances to produce symptoms of allergic reactions, including asthma. Their report demonstrates that serotonin attracts eosinophils because of its ability to interact with a serotonin-specific receptor called 5-HT2A. The study's findings ...

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