What is Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine), 24-Hour Urine?
Serotonin is synthesised from dietary tryptophan via hydroxylation to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and subsequent decarboxylation. Approximately 90–95% of the body's total serotonin is produced in enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa, with the remaining 5–10% synthesised in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem. Urinary serotonin therefore predominantly reflects peripheral and enteric production rather than central serotonergic neurotransmission. It is catabolised by monoamine oxidase (MAO) to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), which is the principal urinary metabolite.