1981. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Zagreb, BSc in Biology

1984. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Zagreb, MSc in Experimental Biology

1988. University of Zagreb, PhD in Neurobiology

1990. King's College, London, postdoctoral fellow

Principal investigator

"Serotonergic mechanisms in alcoholism", Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, Republic of Croatia, 2007-2013.

"Identification of gene pathways involved in serotonergic modulation of body weight", Tanita Healthy Weight Community Trust, Japan, 2012-2013.

"Serotonergic modulation of obesity: cross-talk between regulatory molecules and pathways¨, Croatian Science Foundation, 2015-2020.

"Animal models in biological psychiatry", doctoral study in Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb

"Saturation kinetics of synaptic enzymes, transporter and receptors", doctoral study in Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb

Books and book chapters

Book chapters

• Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (2010) Wistar-Zagreb 5HT rats: A rodent model with constitutional upregulation/downregulation of serotonin transporter. U: Kalueff, A. & LaPorte, J. (ur.) Experimental Models in Serotonin Transporter Research. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, str. 214-243. (https://www.bib.irb.hr/408964).

Journal articles

Scientific and review papers

• Konjevod, M., Rešetar, M., Matošić, A., Čičin-Šain, L. & Štefulj, J. (2023) Association of Functional Polymorphism in TPH2 Gene with Alcohol Dependence and Personality Traits: Study in Cloninger’s Type I and Type II Alcohol-Dependent Inpatients. Genes, 14 (2), 413, 11 doi:10.3390/genes14020413.

  doiwww.mdpi.com

• Baković, P., Kesić, M., Kolarić, D., Štefulj, J. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2023) Metabolic and Molecular Response to High-Fat Diet Differs between Rats with Constitutionally High and Low Serotonin Tone. International journal of molecular sciences, 24 (3), 2169, 23 doi:10.3390/ijms24032169.

  doiwww.mdpi.com

• Perić, M., Bečeheli, I., Čičin-Šain, L., Desoye, G. & Štefulj, J. (2022) Serotonin System in the Human Placenta – the Knowns and Unknowns. Frontiers in endocrinology (Lausanne), 13, 1061317, 19 doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.1061317.

  doiwww.frontiersin.orgfulir.irb.hr

• Kesić, M., Mokrović, G., Tvrdeić, A., Miše, B., Štefulj, J. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2021) Constitutive serotonin tone modulates molecular and behavioral response to chronic fluoxetine treatment: a study on genetic rat model. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 741222, 12 doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.741222.

  doidoi.orgfulir.irb.hr

• Baković, P., Kesić, M., Perić, M., Bečeheli, I., Horvatiček, M., George, M., Čičin-Šain, L., Desoye, G., Wadsack, C., Panzenboeck, U. & Štefulj, J. (2021) Differential Serotonin Uptake Mechanisms at the Human Maternal–Fetal Interface. International journal of molecular sciences, 22 (15), 7807, 17 doi:10.3390/ijms22157807.

  doiwww.mdpi.comdoi.orgfulir.irb.hr

• Kesić, M., Baković, P., Stojković, R., Štefulj, J. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2021) Metabolic disturbances in rat sublines with constitutionally altered serotonin homeostasis. International journal of molecular sciences, 22 (10), 5400, 20 doi:10.3390/ijms22105400.

  doiwww.mdpi.comdoi.orgfulir.irb.hr

• Kesić, M., Baković, P., Horvatiček, M., Proust, B., Štefulj, J. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2020) Constitutionally High Serotonin Tone Favors Obesity: Study on Rat Sublines With Altered Serotonin Homeostasis. Frontiers in neuroscience, 14, 219, 14 doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00219.

  doiwww.frontiersin.orgfulir.irb.hr

• Matošić, A., Marušić, S., Vidrih, B., Kovak-Mufić, A. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2016) Neurobiological Bases of Alcohol Addiction. Acta clinica Croatica, 55, 134-150 doi:10.20471/acc.2016.55.01.19.

  doihrcak.srce.hr

• Erjavec, I., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Brkljačić, J., Grčević, D., Mokrović, G., Kesić, M., Rogić, D., Zavadoski, W., Paralkar, V., Grgurević, L., Trkulja, V., Čičin-Šain, L. & Vukičević, S. (2016) Constitutively elevated blood serotonin is associated with bone loss and type 2 diabetes in rats. PLoS One, 11 (2), 0150102-0150102 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150102.

  doi

• Markeljević, J., Šarac, H., Božina, N., Henigsberg, N., Šimić, M. & Čičin- Šain, L. (2015) Serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms: Relation with platelet serotonin level in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Journal of neuroimmunology, 282, 104-109 doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.04.002.

  doi

• Kesić, M., Tvrdeić, A., Kolarić, D., Stojković, R. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2015) Serotonergic modulation of pain and analgesic responses : a study in rats with constitutionally altered serotonin transporters. European journal of pain, 19 (4), 508-515 doi:10.1002/ejp.574.

  doi

• Fröbe, A., Čičin-Šain, L., Jones, G., Soldić, Ž., Lukač, J., Bolanća, A. & Kusić, Z. (2014) Plasma Free Serotonin as a Marker for Early Detection of Breast Cancer Recurrence. Anticancer research, 34 (3), 1167-1169.

• Čupić, B., Štefulj, J., Zapletal, E., Matošić, A., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Čičin-Šain, L. & Gabrilovac, J. (2013) Opioid system genes in alcoholism: A case–control study in Croatian population. Neuropeptides, 47 (5), 315-319 doi:10.1016/j.npep.2013.08.002.

  doi

• Paradžik, M., Novak, S., Mokrović, G., Bordukalo Nikšić, T., Heckel, D., Stipić, J., Pavičić Baldani, D., Čičin-Šain, L. & Antica, M. (2012) Ikaros family transcription factors expression in rat thymus : detection of impaired development. International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 25 (4), 893-900 doi:10.1177/039463201202500407.

  doiwww.biolifesas.org

• Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Štefulj, J., Matošić, A., Mokrović, G. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2012) Combination of polymorphic variants in serotonin transporter and monoamine oxidase-A genes may influence the risk for early-onset alcoholism. Psychiatry research, 200 (2/3), 1041-1043 doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2012.04.031.

  doi

• Balija, M., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Mokrović, G., Banović, M., Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (2011) Serotonin level and serotonin uptake in human platelets : a variable interrelation under marked physiological influences. Clinica chimica acta, 412 (3/4), 299-304 doi:10.1016/j.cca.2010.10.024.

  doi

• Hranilović, D., Blažević, S., Ivica, N., Čičin-Šain, L. & Orešković, D. (2011) The effects of the perinatal treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan or tranylcypromine on the peripheral and central serotonin homeostasis in adult rats. Neurochemistry international, 59 (2), 202-207 doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2011.05.003.

  doi

• Hećimović, H., Štefulj, J., Čičin-Šain, L., Demarin, V. & Jernej, B. (2010) Association of serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) and intron 2 (VNTR-2) polymorphisms with treatment response in temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy research, 91 (1), 35-38 doi:10.1016/jeplepsyres.2010.06.008.

  doi

• Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Mokrović, G., Štefulj, J., Živin, M., Jernej, B. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2010) 5HT-1A receptors and anxiety-like behaviours: studies in rats with constitutionally upregulated / downregulated serotonin transporter. Behavioural brain research, 213 (2), 238-245 doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2010.05.002.

  doi

• Banović, M., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Balija, M., Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (2010) Platelet serotonin transporter (5HTt) : physiological influences on kinetic characteristics in a large human population. Platelets, 21 (6), 429-438 doi:10.3109/09537104.2010.487582.

  doi

• Matulić, M., Paradžik, M., Čičin-Šain, L., Kapitanović, S., Dubravčić, K., Batinić, D. & Antica, M. (2009) Ikaros family transcription factors in chronic and acute leukemia. American journal of hematology, 84 (6), 375-377 doi:10.1002/ajh.21401.

  doidoi.org

• Hranilović, D., Bujas-Petković, Z., Tomičić, M., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Blažević, S. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2009) Hyperserotonemia in autism : activity of 5HT-associated platelet proteins. Journal of neural transmission, 116 (4), 493-501 doi:10.1007/s00702-009-0192-2.

  doi

• Čičin-Šain, L., Šimaga, Š., Frobe, A. & Abramić, M. (2008) Central aminopeptidase and serotonin system activities : possible relationship. Neuropeptides, 42 (4), 435-440 doi:10.1016/j.npep.2008.04.007.

  doi

• Antica, M., Čičin-Šain, L., Kapitanović, S., Matulić, M., Džebro, S. & Dominis, M. (2008) Aberrant Ikaros, Aiolos, and Helios expression in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood, 111 (6), 3296-3297.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Matošić, A., Mokrović, G., Balija, M., Marušić, S. & Jernej, B. (2008) Platelet monoamine oxidase kinetics, alcoholism subtypes and cigarette smoking. Neuropsychobiology, 56 (2-3), 138-145 doi:10.1159/000115780.

  doi

• Mokrović, G., Matošić, A., Hranilović, D., Štefulj, J., Novokmet, M., Orešković, D., Balija, M., Marušić, S. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2008) Alcohol dependence and polymorphisms of serotonin-related genes: association studies. Collegium Antropologicum, 32 (Suppl. 1), 127-131. (https://www.bib.irb.hr/312339).

  hrcak.srce.hr

• Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Mokrović, G., Jernej, B. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2008) Expression of 5HT-1A and 5HT-1B receptor genes in brains of Wistar-Zagreb 5HT rats. Collegium Antropologicum, 32 (S1), 37-41. (https://www.bib.irb.hr/307731).

• Čičin-Šain, L., Froebe, A., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T. & Jernej, B. (2005) Serotonin transporter kinetics in rats selected for extreme values of platelet serotonin level. Life sciences, 4, 452-461.

• Hranilović, D., Čičin-Šain, L., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T. & Jernej, B. (2005) Rats with constitutionally upregulated/downregulated platelet 5HT transporter: Differences in anxiety-related behavior. Behavioural brain research, 165 (2), 271-277.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Froebe, A., Bordukalo-Nikšić, T. & Jernej, B. (2005) Serotonin transporter kinetics in rats selected for extreme values of platelet serotonin level. Life sciences, 77 (4), 452-461 doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2005.01.007.

  doi

• Filić, V., Vladić, A., Štefulj, J., Čičin-Šain, L., Balija, M., Sučić, Z. & Jernej, B. (2005) Monoamine Oxidases A and B Gene Polymorphisms in Migraine Patients. Journal of the neurological sciences, 228 (2), 149-153 doi:10.1016/j.jns.2004.11.045.

  doi

• Bordukalo-Nikšić, T., Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (2004) Expression of brain and platelet serotonin transporters in sublines of rats with constitutionally altered serotonin homeostasis. Neuroscience letters, 369 (1), 44-49.

• Abramić, M., Šimaga, Š., Osmak, M., Čičin-Šain, L., Vukelić, B., Vlahoviček, K. & Dolovčak, L. (2004) Highly reactive cysteine residues are part of the substrate binding site of mammalian dipeptidyl peptidases III. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 36, 434-446.

• Jernej, B., Vladić, A., Čičin-Šain, L., Hranilović, D., Banović, M., Balija, M., Bilić, E., Sučić, Z., Vukadin, S. & Grgičević, D. (2002) Platelet serotonin measures in migraine. Headache, 42 (7), 588-595.

• Hranilović, D., Herak-Kramberger, C., Čičin-Šain, L., Sabolić, I. & Jernej, B. (2001) Serotonin transporter in rat platelets: level of protein expression underlies differences in uptake kinetics.. Life Sciences, 69 (1), 59-65.

• Štefulj, J., Čičin-Šain, L., Schauenstein, K. & Jernej, B. (2001) Serotonin and immune response : effect of the amine on in vitro proliferation of rat lymphocytes. Neuroimmunomodulation, 9, 103-108.

• Kozarić-Kovačić, D., Ljubin, T., Rutić-Puž, L., Mihaljević, J., Jernej, B. & Čičin-Šain, L. (2000) Platelet monoamine oxidase activity, ego strength, and neuroticism in soldiers with combat-related current posttraumatic stress disorder. Croatian Medical Journal, 41 (1), 76-80.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Mimica, N., Hranilović, D., Balija, M., Ljubin, T., Makarić, G., Folnegović-Šmalc, V. & Jernej, B. (2000) Posttraumatic stress disorder and platelet serotonin measures. Journal of psychiatric research, 34 (2), 155-161 doi:10.1016/S0022-3956(99)00049-7.

  doi

• Štefulj, J., Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L., Rinner, I. & Schauenstein, K. (2000) mRNA expression of serotonin receptors in cells of the immune tissues of the rat. Brain, behavior and immunity, 14 (3), 219-224.

• Jernej, B., Banović, M., Čičin-Šain, L., Hranilović, D., Balija, M., Orešković, D. & Folnegović-Šmalc, V. (2000) Physiological characteristics of platelet circulatory serotonin: study on a large human population. Psychiatry research, 94 (2), 153-162.

• Jernej, B., Froebe, A., Hranilović, D. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1999) Platelet serotonin transporter : ex vivo monitoring of kinetic parameters in the individual rat. Neuroscience research communications, 24 (3), 163-172 doi:10.1002/(SICI)1520-6769(199905/06)24:33.0.CO ; 2-W.

  doi

• Jernej, B., Hranilović, D. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1999) Serotonin transporter on rat platelets: level of mRNA underlie inherited differences in uptake kinetics. Neurochemistry international, 33 (6), 519-523 doi:10.1016/S0197-0186(98)00059-X.

  doi

• Čičin Šain, L., Fröbe, A. & Jernej, B. (1998) Physiological characterization of serotonin transporters on rat platelets. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology, 120 (4), 723-729 doi:10.1016/S1095-6433(98)10092-2.

  doi

• Kozarić-Kovačić, D., Ljubin, T., Mihaljević, J., Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L. & Rutić, L. (1998) War stress, ego strength and serotonergic measures. Psychiatria Danubiana, 10 (2), 101-101.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Froebe, A. & Jernej, B. (1998) Physiological characteristics of serotonin transporter on rat platelets.. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology, 120, 723-729.

• Romero, L., Jernej, B., Bel, N., Čičin-Šain, L., Cortes, R. & Artigas, F. (1998) Basal and stimulated extracellular serotonin concentration in the brain of rats with altered serotonin uptake. Synapse, 28 (1), 313-321.

• Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L., Hranilović, D., Podnar, M., Banović, M., Iskrić, S., Balija, M., Grgičević, D., Kozarić-Kovačić, D. & Folnegović-Šmalc, V. (1996) Serotonin transporter : Studies on platelet model in rats and humans. Periodicum biologorum. Supplement, 98 (S1), 95-102.

• Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L., Froebe, A., Hranilović, D., Podnar, M., Banović, M., Iskrić, S., Balija, M., Grgičević, D., Kozarić-Kovačić, D. & Folnegović-Šmalc, V. (1996) Serotonin transporter : studies on platelet model in rats and humans. Periodicum biologorum, 98 (1), 95-102.

• Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (1996) Reduction of gastrointestinal serotonin in alloxan-diabetic rats-reversal by 5-hydroxytryptophan treatment. Behavioural brain research, 73 (1-2), 285-288.

• Hranilović, D., Lesch, K., Ugarković, Đ., Čičin-Šain, L. & Jernej, B. (1996) Identification of serotonin transporter mRNA in rat platelets. Journal of neural transmission, 103 (8-9), 957-965 doi:10.1007/BF01291786.

  doi

• Frobe, A., Čičin-Šain, L., Reiner, E., Banović, M. & Jernej, B. (1995) Methodological considerations on kinetic measurements of serotonin transport into rat platelets. Periodicum Biologorum, 97 (3), 217-222.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Perović, S., Iskrić, S. & Jernej, B. (1995) Development of sublines of Wistar-derived rats with high or low platelet serotonin levels. Periodicum Biologorum, 97 (3), 211-215.

• Jernej, B., Froebe, A., Ajhler, T. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1994) Ex vivo monitoring of serotonin transport and serotonin level in rat platelets in the course of treatment with antidepressant drugs. European neuropsychopharmacology, 4 (3), 306-307 doi:10.1016/0924-977X(94)90118-X.

  doi

• Čičin-Šain, L. & Jenner, P. (1993) Reduction in cortical 5HT-3 binding sites following a unilateral 6-hydroxyl dopamine lesion of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 115, 105-110.

• Čičin-Šain, L. & Jenner, P. (1992) Localization and characterization of 5HT-3 receptors in the forebrain of the rat identified by the specific binding of 3H-GR 65630. Neuroscience Research Communications, 10, 17-25.

• Gabrilovac, J., Čičin-Šain, L., Osmak, M. & Jernej, B. (1992) Alteration of NK- and ADCC-activities in rats genetically selected for low or high platelet serotonin level. Journal of neuroimmunology, 37 (3), 213-222.

• Čičin-Šain, L., Orešković, D., Perović, S., Jernej, B. & Iskrić, S. (1990) Determination of serotonin in peripheral rat tissues by ion-exchange chromatography-fluorometry. Validation by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Biogenic Amines, 7 (6), 641-650.

• Jernej, B. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1990) Platelet serotonin level in rats is under genetic control. Psychiatry research, 32 (2), 167-174 doi:10.1016/0165-1781(90)90083-H.

  doi

• Poljak-Blaži, M., Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L. & Boranić Milivoj (1990) Immunological response of rats selected for high or low platelet serotonin content.. Periodicum Biologorum, 92, 189-190.

• Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L. & Kveder, S. (1989) Physiological characteristics of platelet serotonin in rats. Life sciences, 45 (6), 485-492 doi:10.1016/0024-3205(89)90098-2.

  doi

• Čičin-Šain, L., Jernej, B. & Magnus, V. (1989) Platelet serotonin levels and gonadal hormones in rats. Life Sciences, 45 (20), 1885-1892 doi:10.1016/0024-3205(89)90542-0.

  doi

• Jernej, B., Čičin-Šain, L. & Iskrić, S. (1988) A simple and reliable method for monitoring platelet serotonin levels in rats. Life Sciences, 43 (20), 1663-1670 doi:10.1016/0024-3205(88)90539-5.

  doi

• Meštrov, M., Stilinović, B., Habdija, I., Lattinger-Penko, R., Maloseja, Ž., Kerovec, M. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1985) Ecological properties of underground waters of the interstices in relation to the Sava River. Atti della Società Italiana di Ecologia, 5, 105-108.

• Meštrov, M., Stilinović, B., Habdija, I., Lattinger-Penko, R., Maloseja, Ž., Kerovec, M. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1983) THE ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERSTITIAL UNDERGROUND WATERS IN RELATION TO THE WATER OF THE RIVER SAVA. JAZU, Prirodoslovna istraživanja 48, Acta biologica, 48 (9/1), 5-33.

Conference proceedings papers

Scientific conference proceedings papers

• Kerovec, M. & Čičin-Šain, L. (1984) Experimental System of the Circulation of Water and the Possibilities of its Use in Ecological lnvestigations. U: Dizdarević, M. (ur.)III. kongresa ekologa Jugoslavije , Knjiga II.

Croatian Biological Society, Croatian Pharmacological Society; Croatian Society for Neuroscience, The Federation of European Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR), International Society for Serotonin Research (ISSR, Serotonin Club), Europaean Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)