title: Behavioural pharmacology of 5-HT3 receptor ligands.
abstract: Extensive studies have ascribed a role for the central 5-HT3 receptor in the modulation of behaviour. Much of the work stems from the actions of potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists; these agents reduce mesolimbic dopamine initiated hyperactivity, release suppressed behaviour, reduce the reinforcing properties and withdrawal symptoms of drugs of abuse, enhance cognitive performance and modulate appetite. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical evidence implicating the 5-HT3 receptor in these indications and discusses the potential neurochemical mechanisms underlying the behavioural changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011985:Receptors, Serotonin