Pharmacology of 5-HT1A Receptors: Critical Aspects

Abstract

AbstractMyriad difficulties exist in analyzing the pharmacology of the serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor. The receptor may demonstrate a different activity depending on the tissue or species used for analysis, the agent used, laboratory conditions, and differences between in vitro and in vivo effects of compounds. Affinity for 5-HT receptors also varies widely, presenting difficulties in drawing definitive conclusions on affinity values for various compounds. At least two possibilities exist to explain the diversity of pharmacology of 5-HT receptors. First, it is possible that different 5-HT1A receptor subtypes exist. Second, the 5-HT1A receptors may play a far more complex role than previously believed.