Serotonin and histomines regulate the blood vessel elasticity. If a serotonin receptor is defective, it will allow too much Substance P which causes the capillaries to leak fluid and causes heightened sensitivity to pain. Imitrex is used for migraine but does so by acting on serotonin receptors. Nobody has tried Imitrex on capillary leak. Only a doctor can test for serotonin levels. The normal range is 101-283 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, migraines, and anxiety are a red flag signal of possible low serotonin levels. A serotonin deficiency will also cause nausea and vomiting. Has anybody on this board heard anything about this?

This is interesting. So the implications for those on serotonin reuptake inhibitors...? Wow. How do they measure serotonin? Do you have links to articles? Carole

yes, there are many articles on it. So I did a quick google search and got this: "Serotonin":http://www.nasw.org/users/twoharts/serotonin.html Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a specialized molecule that allows nerve cells to communicate and interact with each other. Without neurotransmitters we would be unable to think, perceive, move, or even live. Serotonin also does double duty in the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. It helps regulate the expansion and contraction of blood vessels and the function of platelets, the blood cells that cause blood to coagulate and close a wound. It also causes smooth muscles to contract, such as the abdominal muscles that aid digestion by pushing food through the GI tract. I am still looking for any research connecting edema and veins. So far, it appears that Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and the herb horse chestnut have good results for capilary leak. Then there is the long term "survivor's letter": (http://www.26blue.com/index.php?title=Capillary_Leak) on "accupuncture":http://www.wellspringseminars.com/index.php/about-dr-tran.html

Thanks for the info. This is so interesting to me. Just goes to illustrate "the more I learn, the more I know that I don't know". Overwhelming. Carole

Raw chocolate is a sertonin regulator. The Polyphenol antioxidants reduces inflammation. "It would be easier for you to read for yourself":http://www.26blue.com/index.php?title=Dark_Chocolate I know people are using raw chocolate for autoimmune situations. Has anybody used raw chocolate? Did it make the situation better, worse, or no difference?