title: Expression of serotonin receptors in human hepatocellular cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter and vasoactive substance. Recent research indicates that serotonin contributes to liver regeneration and promotes tumor growth of human hepatocellular cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of serotonin receptors in hepatocellular cancer and analyze their potential as a cytotoxic target.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of serotonin receptors in the liver from 176 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, of which nontumor tissue was available in 109 patients. Relevant clinicopathologic parameters were compared with serotonin receptor expression. Two human hepatocellular cancer cell lines, Huh7 and HepG2, were used to test serotonin antagonists as a possible cytotoxic drug.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The serotonin receptors 1B and 2B were expressed, respectively, in 32% and 35% of the patients with hepatocellular cancer. Both receptors were associated with an increased proliferation index, and receptor 1B correlated with the size of the tumor. Serotonin antagonists of receptors 1B and 2B consistently decreased viability and proliferation in Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified two serotonin receptors that are often overexpressed in human hepatocellular cancer and may serve as a new cytotoxic target.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Soll
authors.forename: Marc-Oliver
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Riener
authors.forename: Christian Eugen
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Oberkofler
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hellerbrand
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wild
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: DeOliveira
authors.forename: Pierre-Alain
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Clavien
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D015870:Gene Expression; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists