Serotonin receptor subtypes: implications for psychopharmacology.

Journal article

Serotonin (5-HT) interacts with multiple brain 5-HT receptor subtypes to influence a wide range of behaviours. Three main families of 5-HT receptors (5-HT1, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3) have been described which differ in their binding affinity for selective ligands, their receptor-effector coupling mechanisms, and the behavioural processes they regulate. Nevertheless, manipulation of several different 5-HT receptor subtypes (5-HT1A, 5-HT1C, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3) may produce anxiolytic effects; 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors may be involved in the aetiology of major depression and the therapeutic effects of antidepressant treatment; and 5-HT3 receptors have been linked to reward mechanisms and cognitive processes. These advances offer therapeutic possibilities, the value of which can only be satisfactorily assessed by controlled clinical trials.

Authors: Cowen, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of psychiatry. Supplement
• Volume: 159
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 7-14
• Publication date: 1991-09-01
• ISSN: 0960-5371
• Language: English
• Keywords: Receptors, Serotonin; Brain; Terminology as Topic; Arousal; Animals; Humans; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Anxiety Disorders; Serotonin Antagonists