The medical benefit of 5-HT research.
5-HT research is now more than 50 years old, and it has generated a wealth of therapeutic agents, some of which have had a major impact on disease management. The 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs for treating depression and a variety of other disorders including anxiety, social phobia and premenstrual dysphoria (PMD). The other major success stories of 5-HT research are the discovery of 5-HT1B/D receptor agonists for treating migraine and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists for chemotherapy and radiation-induced emesis. The role of 5-HT in the mechanism of action of antipsychotic agents remains a topic of intense research, which promises better treatments for schizophrenia in the future. Compounds interacting with 5-HT1F, 5-HT2C, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptors are currently under investigation and may prove to have important therapeutic applications in the future.
Jones
Brian J
BJ
Psychiatry Research Department, GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park, Third Avenue, Harlow, CM19 5AW, Essex, UK. b_j_jones@gsk.com
Blackburn
Thomas P
TP
D000818:Animals; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D012701:Serotonin