The Association of Salivary Serotonin With Mood and Cardio-Autonomic Function: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: Serotonin plays an important role in mood regulation and depression. However, it is not clear whether the levels of serotonin in saliva are related to current mood. AIM: To test the association of salivary serotonin concentrations with mood, as well as cardiovascular and autonomic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were obtained from collegiate runners and output parameters were examined before and after physical activity. RESULTS: Salivary serotonin concentration was negatively associated with current mood (β = −0.32, 95%CI −0.62 to −0.02, p = 0.037, analysis adjusted for potential confounders), but insignificantly with measured cardiovascular and autonomic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary serotonin may reflect current mood. The results are preliminary and require further evaluation.