Serotonin Control of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission: Focus on 5-HT2 Receptors

Title: Serotonin Control of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission: Focus on 5-HT2 Receptors

Volume: 1 Issue: 2

Author(s): Vincenzo Di Matteo and Ennio Esposito

Affiliation:

Keywords: receptors, dopaminergic function, mesocorticolimbic system, nigrostriatal system, antidepressants, antipsychotics, drug addiction

Abstract: Central serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems play a critical role in the regulation of normal and abnormal behaviors. Recent evidence suggests that a dysfunction of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter systems contribute to various pathological conditions. Among the multiple classes of 5-HT receptors described in the central nervous system, much attention has been devoted to the role of 5-HT2 receptor family in the control of central dopaminergic activity, because of the moderate to dense localization of both transcript and protein for 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), as well as their terminal regions. Moreover, modulation of 5-HT2 receptor functions by various drugs has been shown to influence DA function in these brain areas, and is thought to be important in motor activation, motivation, and reward. Indeed, a number of electrophysiological and biochemical data have shown that 5-HT2C receptor agonists decrease, while 5-HT2C receptor antagonists enhance mesocorticolimbic DA function. In this article, the most relevant data regarding the role of these receptors in the control of brain DA function are reviewed, and the importance of this subject in the search of new therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinsons disease is also discussed.

Cite this article as:

Matteo Di Vincenzo and Esposito Ennio, Serotonin Control of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission: Focus on 5-HT2 Receptors, Current Neuropharmacology 2003; 1 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159033477189