Br J Dermatol. 2011 Jun 28. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10490.x.
Serotonin induces melanogenesis via serotonin receptor 2A.
Lee HJ, Park MK, Kim SY, Park Choo HY, Lee AY, Lee CH.
College of pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715, Korea Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University Global Campus, #1 Seocheon-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea College of Pharmacy & Division of Life & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Republic of Korea Department of dermatology, College of medicine, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
Background: The serotonin levels were increased by light exposure but the role and mechanism of serotonin in the pigmentation of skin cells are unclear. Objectives: To clarify the effect of serotonin on melanogenesis and to determine the serotonin receptor subtype involved. Methods: B16F10, SK-MEL-2 and Melan-a cells were cultured DMEM with low FBS. Three cell lines were treated with various concentration of serotonin (5-HT), 5-HT receptor agonists, and antagonists. The involvement of the 5-HT receptor 2A (5-HTR2A) was examined by gene silencing and 5-HTR2A antagonists. Results: 5-HT and the 5-HTR2A agonist, DOI increased the melanogenesis in three cell lines. These increased events were suppressed by 5-HTR2A antagonists or gene silencing of the 5-HTR2A gene. Conclusions: The serotonin receptor 5-HTR2A is involved in melanogenesis. These findings highlight the role of serotonin and suggest new ways of controlling melanogenesis.