title: 5-HT2A: its role in frontally mediated executive function and related psychopathology.
abstract: Serotonin (5-HT)2A receptors are widely distributed, with high levels in the frontal cortex, where postsynaptic activation may increase activity in pyramidal glutamatergic neurons and mediate various executive functions. More specifically, reciprocal cortical-raphe pathways may allow the ventral prefrontal cortex to inhibit stress-induced neural activity in the brainstem when stressors are perceived as controllable. However, early adversity and negative attitudes may be associated with higher frontal 5-HT2A receptor levels and greater risk for stress-induced psychopathology, and certain 5-HT2A gene variants have been associated with increased risk for impulsive behavior. Conversely, many antidepressants result in decreased levels of 5-HT2A receptor levels, and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors has proven useful in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Dan J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Sian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hemmings
authors.forename: Hanlie
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moolman-Smook
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Audenaert
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / Q000378:metabolism*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D014196:Trazodone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D044402:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014196:Trazodone