Enhanced serotonin signaling stimulates ordered intestinal mucosal growth

Enhancing 5-HT signaling in mice increases VH, CD, EH, and crypt cell proliferation in the intestinal mucosa. 5-HT-associated growth did not alter the cellular composition of the villi. Serotonin may represent an important physiologic regulator of intestinal growth and adaptation and holds promise as a target for therapies aimed at enhancing intestinal recovery after injury or mucosal surface area loss.