title: Targeting the serotonin pathway for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
abstract: As we uncover the complex pathophysiology underlying idiopathic and familial pulmonary arterial hypertension, multiple disease associated pathways, cell types and processes reveal links to elements of the serotonin system. Beyond the original 'serotonin hypothesis' observed with anorexigens, and the latterly demonstrated association with vascular tone and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation, recent studies suggest links to BMPR2, PDGF and RhoK pathways, as well as an impact upon more complex lesion formation and pathologic bone marrow progenitor mobilization. Clinical experience with antagonists targeting the various elements of the serotonin pathway has been unsatisfactory, yet perhaps this is less than surprising given our expanding knowledge around serotonin production and signaling biology, which indicate opportunities for novel therapeutic options.
authors: Respiratory Disease Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Wimblehurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5AB, United Kingdom. matthew.thomas@novartis.com
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Thomas
authors: Loredana
authors: L
authors: Ciuclan
authors: Martin J
authors: MJ
authors: Hussey
authors: Neil J
authors: NJ
authors: Press
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D065627:Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin