5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) is the main metabolite of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and the central nervous system. Pronounced as "five-hydroxy-indole-acetic-acid", the term originates from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water, "indole" referring to the organic compound, and "acetic acid" referring to the vinegar-like compound.
Function
5-HIAA is produced when serotonin is broken down in the body. It is primarily excreted in the urine. The levels of 5-HIAA can be measured in the urine to detect the presence of certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, such as carcinoid tumors.
Clinical Significance
A 5-HIAA urine test is often used to diagnose carcinoid tumors. These tumors can secrete large amounts of serotonin. When the body breaks down this excess serotonin, the levels of 5-HIAA in the urine can significantly increase.
Related Terms
- Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and the central nervous system.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
- Gastrointestinal tract: An organ system responsible for consuming and digesting foodstuffs, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste.
- Blood platelets: Tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding.
- Central nervous system: The part of the nervous system consisting primarily of the brain and spinal cord.
- Neuroendocrine tumors: A type of tumor that starts in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system.
- Carcinoid tumors: A type of neuroendocrine tumor that is slow-growing and can arise in several places throughout your body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
- Wikipedia's article - 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
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