Serotonin and hypothalamic control of hunger: a review *

This paper reviews the involvement of the serotonergic system in controlling food intake and satiety. It is of great interest to understand this system relevance in physiologic control of energy balance and obesity. Over 35-year research suggests that serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in satiety. Thus, serotonergic system has been a viable target in weight control. 5-HT shows control over hunger and satiety through different receptors with discrete functions. 5-HT2C receptor seems to be the most important one in the relationship between food intake and energy balance. In this review, serotonergic system mechanisms involved in food intake control and satiety will be discussed.