N-Acetylserotonin

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A naturally occurring intermediate in the endogenous production of melatonin from serotonin. N-acetylserotonin (NAS) binds to and activates both melatonin receptors and BDNF/NT-3 growth factors receptor (NTRK2; TrkB). NAS-dependent melatonin receptor signaling may ameliorate aging-associated cognitive decline and depression, while NAS binding to TrkB may induce proliferation of neural progenitor cells, which may elicit anti-depressant and neurotrophic effects.

**Synonyms:** - 5-Hydroxy-N-Acetyltryptamine - 5-Hydroxymelatonin - Acetyl-5-Hydroxy-Tryptamine - N-(2-(5-Hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)acetamide - N-ACETYLSEROTONIN - N-Acetyl Serotonin - N-Acetyl-5-HT - N-Acetyl-5-Hydroxytryptamine - N-[2-(5-Hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide - NAS - Normelatonin - O-Demethylmelatonin