Important messages in the 'post': recent discoveries in 5-HT neurone feedback control.

Journal article

The neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) mediates important brain functions and contributes to the pathophysiology and successful drug treatment of many common psychiatric disorders, especially depression. It is established that a key mechanism involved in the control of 5-HT neurones is feedback inhibition by presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors, which are located on 5-HT cell bodies and nerve terminals. However, recent experiments have discovered an unexpected complexity of 5-HT neurone control, specifically in the form of postsynaptic 5-HT feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms have the physiological effects of 5-HT autoreceptors but use additional 5-HT receptor subtypes and operate through neural inputs to 5-HT neurones. A postsynaptic feedback system that excites 5-HT neurones has also been reported. This article discusses current knowledge of the pharmacology and physiology of these new found 5-HT feedback mechanisms and considers their possible contribution to depression pathophysiology and utility as a resource of novel antidepressant drug strategies.

Authors: Sharp, T; Boothman, L; Raley, J; Quérée, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Trends in pharmacological sciences
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 629-636
• Publication date: 2007-12-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2007.10.009
• EISSN: 1873-3735
• ISSN: 0165-6147
• Language: English
• Keywords: Autoreceptors; Serotonin; Humans; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT2; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; Feedback, Physiological; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Serotonin Antagonists; Animals