Perspectives on the role of serotonergic mechanisms in the pharmacology of schizophrenia.
In recent years, a number of research findings has renewed interest in the possible role of serotonin (5-HT) in the pharmacology of schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics that potently block 5-HT receptors have been shown to be at least as effective as classical antipsychotics as well as producing fewer extrapyramidal side-effects. In addition, molecular biological studies have suggested that allelic variations of 5-HT receptor genes may affect both susceptibility to schizophrenia and clinical response to atypical antipsychotics. Building on these findings, this article proposes that 5-HT receptors are critical sites of antipsychotic action, and examines the implications of this to the treatment and pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Possible pharmacological mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of 5-HT blocking antipsychotics are discussed, and the potential of functional neuroimaging techniques to further elucidate these mechanisms is emphasized.
Busatto
G F
GF
Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
Kerwin
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D017776:Autonomic Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin