Mammalian Taste Bud Cells Utilize Extragemmal 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan to Biosynthesize the Neurotransmitter Serotonin.

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter that is found in mammalian taste buds and can regulate the output of intragemmal signaling networks onto afferent nerve fibers. However, it is unclear how 5-HT is produced, synthesized locally inside taste buds or absorbed from outside sources. In this study, we attempt to address this question by delineating the process of possible 5-HT biosynthesis within taste buds.