Serotonin Receptor (by S Janhichen) We have a homeostatic serotonin update today from PubMed (June 2015) with the starring principal receptor, 5-HT2CR, in energy action:
Abstract
The central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) system represents a fundamental component of the brain's control of energy homeostasis.
Medications targeting the 5-HT pathway have been at the forefront of obesity treatment for the past 15 years.
Pharmacological agents targeting 5-HT receptors (5-HTR), in combination with genetic models of 5-HTR manipulation, have uncovered a role for specific 5-HTRs in energy balance and reveal the 5-HT2 C R as the principal 5-HTR mediating this homeostatic process.
Capitalising on this neurophysiological machinery, 5-HT2 C R agonists improve obesity and glycaemic control in patient populations.
The underlying therapeutic mechanism has been probed using model systems and appears to be achieved primarily through 5-HT2 C R modulation of the brain melanocortin circuit via activation of pro-opiomelanocortin neurones signalling at melanocortin4 receptors.
Thus, 5-HT2 C R agonists offer a means to improve obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are conditions that now represent global challenges to human health.
5-hydroxytryptamine medications for the treatment of obesity.
Burke LK, Heisler LK.
J Neuroendocrinol. 2015 Jun;27(6):389-98. doi: 10.1111/jne.12287.
PMID: 25925636
Similar articles
Next Up: A Hannah Arendt Footnote on Tuesday 18 August.
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner
RSS Feed
