FLUOXETINE: EXAMINING THE SELECTIVE SEROTONIN RE-UPTAKE INHIBITOR’S EFFECTS ON SEROTONIN AND HEDGEHOG SIGNALING IN THE PANCREATIC BETA CELL

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses worldwide, with pharmacotherapy as a first-line option for the management of this illness. The National Center for Health Statistics found that the use of antidepressants has increased by more than 4 fold in the last 20 years. While SSRI’s act centrally to treat MDD, their peripheral effects are often overlooked. Interestingly, components of the serotonergic system including the serotonin transporter (SERT), serotonin receptors, and enzymes important for serotonin synthesis (tryptophan hydroxylase 1 and 2; Tph1 and Tph2) are affected by SSRI treatment both centrally and peripherally. This disruption of serotonin signaling in the pancreas is of particular interest as there is a considerable link between the serotonin and hedgehog signaling pathways, both of which are important for pancreatic beta cell function. I hypothesize that pancreatic beta cell exposure to the SSRI fluoxetine in vitro will lead to altered hedgehog signaling ultimately resulting in a disruption in insulin secretion.