5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 (5-HT3 receptor) (5-HT3R)

The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 (5-HT3 receptor) is a member of the serotonin receptor family and is unique among them as a ligand-gated ion channel (as opposed to the other G protein-coupled serotonin receptors). It is predominantly expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system, where it mediates fast excitatory neurotransmission in response to serotonin. The 5-HT3 receptor is involved in the regulation of nausea and vomiting, mood modulation, anxiety, and pain transmission. Antagonists of this receptor, such as mirtazapine and ondansetron, are used to treat conditions like major depressive disorder and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, respectively. Mirtazapine acts as a noncompetitive antagonist at this receptor, contributing to its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects by altering serotonergic neurotransmission.

Other names

5-HT3 receptorSerotonin receptor 3HTR35HT3R

Antagonists of the 5-HT3 receptor inhibit serotonin-mediated excitatory neurotransmission; mirtazapine is a noncompetitive antagonist. 5-HT3 antagonists block ion channel opening by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), reducing neural transmission related to emesis and mood.