Serotonin Receptors (5-hydroxytryptamine receptors) (5-HT receptors)

Serotonin receptors, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT receptors), are a family of receptors that bind the neurotransmitter serotonin and mediate its diverse effects. They are classified into seven main families (5-HT1 through 5-HT7) with 14-15 known subtypes. Most are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), while the 5-HT3 receptor is a unique ligand-gated ion channel. Widely expressed in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and peripheral tissues, these receptors play crucial roles in neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal functions. They are implicated in various conditions including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, migraine, and obesity, making them important therapeutic targets for a range of psychiatric and other disorders.

Other names

5-HT receptors5-hydroxytryptamine receptors

Drugs act as agonists or antagonists to modulate the activity of specific serotonin receptor subtypes, thereby influencing downstream signaling pathways. GPCR-coupled receptors (5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT4, 5-HT5, 5-HT6, 5-HT7) alter intracellular cAMP or IP3/DAG levels, leading to inhibitory or excitatory effects. The 5-HT3 receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel, causes membrane depolarization. As stated in the text, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are common antidepressants that act by targeting the 5-HT1A receptor.