Serotonin receptor type 2

The serotonin receptor type II family consists of three closely related G protein-coupled receptors—serotonin receptors type IIa (encoded by HTR2A gene, primary target for psychedelics and many antipsychotics), IIb (encoded by HTR2B, important in cardiovascular physiology), and IIc (encoded by HTR2C, involved in appetite regulation). These receptors mediate diverse physiological processes through binding serotonin. They play key roles in central nervous system function—including perception, mood regulation—and peripheral systems such as cardiovascular health. Dysregulation or inappropriate pharmacological stimulation can lead to significant adverse effects including psychiatric symptoms or heart valve disease depending on the specific subtype involved. For structured data purposes you must specify which exact member ("serotonin receptor type IIa", "serotonin receptor type IIb", etc.) you mean when referring to "serotonin receptor type II".

Other names

Serotonin type 2 receptorsHTR2ASRRserotonin D-receptorHTR2BHTR2C

Mechanisms depend on drug class and subtype targeted but include: Agonism or antagonism at GPCRs leading to altered intracellular signaling pathways such as phospholipase C activation. Psychedelics act as partial agonists at the Type IIa site to induce perceptual changes. Antipsychotics act as antagonists primarily at the same site to reduce psychotic symptoms.