Invitrogen™ 5-HIAA Competitive ELISA Kit

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the primary metabolite of serotonin (5-HT) and serves as a key marker for serotonin metabolism. As a more stable compound than serotonin, 5-HIAA is often measured in clinical settings to assess serotonin production and turnover. This measurement typically involves analyzing urine or plasma samples. Elevated levels of 5-HIAA in the urine can indicate various conditions such as carcinoid tumors, which are known to secrete large amounts of serotonin. Additionally, 5-HIAA has been implicated in inflammatory processes, notably acting as a potent ligand for the GPR35 receptor to promote neutrophil recruitment to inflamed tissues. The presence of 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid is also used as a biomarker in neurological diseases impacting dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways, although its levels can be influenced by age and other factors. The clinical relevance of 5-HIAA underscores its utility in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions, particularly those involving serotonin dysregulation.