NeuronalTocris 5-HT Scientific Receptors Review and SERTSeries Tocri-lu-2945 Neuronal 5-HT Receptors and SERT Nicholas M. Barnes1 and Introduction 2 John F. Neumaier 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) is an ancient biochemical 1Cellular and Molecular Neuropharmacology Research Group, manipulated through evolution to be utilized extensively Section of Neuropharmacology and Neurobiology, Clinical and throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. Mammals employ Experimental Medicine, The Medical School, University of 5-HT as a neurotransmitter within the central and peripheral Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK and nervous systems, and also as a local hormone in numerous other tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA system and immune cells. This multiplicity of function implicates 98104, USA. Correspondence:
[email protected] and 5-HT in a vast array of physiological and pathological processes.
[email protected] This plethora of roles has consequently encouraged the Nicholas Barnes is Professor of Neuropharmacology at the development of many compounds of therapeutic value, including University of Birmingham Medical School, and focuses on various antidepressant, antipsychotic and antiemetic drugs. serotonin receptors and the serotonin transporter. John Neumaier Part of the ability of 5-HT to mediate a wide range of actions arises is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences and Director from the imposing number of 5-HT receptors.1 of the Division of Neurosciences at the University of Washington. Numerous 5-HT His research concerns the role of serotonin receptors in emotional receptor families and subtypes have evolved. Currently, 18 genes behavior. are recognized as being responsible for 14 distinct mammalian 5-HT receptor subtypes, which are divided into 7 families, all but one of which are members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily.