Serotonin pharmacology in the gastrointestinal tract: a review.
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) plays a critical physiological role in the regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) function. 5-HT dysfunction may also be involved in the pathophysiology of a number of functional GI disorders, such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. This article describes the role of 5-HT in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the mammalian GI tract and the receptors with which it interacts. Existing serotonergic therapies that have proven effective in the treatment of GI functional disorders and the potential of drugs currently in development are also highlighted. Advances in our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of 5-HT in the ENS and the identification of selective receptor ligands bodes well for the future development of more efficacious therapies for patients with functional GI disorders.
Beattie
D T
DT
Pharmacology Department, Theravance, Inc, 901 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA. dbeattie@theravance.com
Smith
J A M
JA
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D012701:Serotonin