5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the primary metabolite of serotonin, produced through oxidative deamination by monoamine oxidase. It is excreted primarily in urine and serves as a stable biomarker reflecting systemic serotonin metabolism. Because serotonin plays a critical role in mood regulation, gastrointestinal function, and neuroendocrine signaling, 5-HIAA provides an indirect measure of serotonergic activity and can indicate abnormal serotonin production or metabolism in both research and clinical contexts.
In research, 5-HIAA is used to study serotonin-related physiology and pathology, including mood disorders, neuropsychiatric conditions, and gastrointestinal regulation. Measuring 5-HIAA in urine or tissue samples allows investigators to evaluate serotonergic turnover, assess the effects of pharmacological interventions, and study the role of serotonin in behavior, stress responses, and metabolic processes. It is also used in preclinical models to explore the effects of diet, drugs, or genetic modifications on serotonin metabolism.
Clinically, 5-HIAA is most commonly used as a biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors, particularly carcinoid tumors, which often secrete excess serotonin. Elevated urinary 5-HIAA levels can aid in diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and assess treatment efficacy. Additionally, 5-HIAA measurements can help evaluate disorders associated with abnormal serotonin metabolism, providing a valuable tool for both diagnosis and ongoing patient management.
This product is manufactured in Germany by LDN.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 0.17 mg/L |
| Dynamic Range | 0.5 – 50 mg/L |
| Incubation Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Sample Type | Urine |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, or 5-HIAA metabolite of serotonin. |
