5-HT2 Receptors

Serotonin 5-HT2 receptors are a subfamily of 5-HT receptors which bind the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). Three subtypes have been identified: 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C.

5-HT2A, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C are are G-protein-coupled receptors that couple to Gq/11 causing activation of phospholipase C (PLC). PLC in turn hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol (PIP2) to diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3).

Receptor Data

5-HT2 Receptor Data

Receptor Subtype5-HT2A5-HT2B5-HT2C
Transduction Mechanism↑ PLC (Gq/11)↑ PLC (Gq/11)↑ PLC (Gq/11)
Primary DistributionForebrain, caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, olfactory tubercle, vascular smooth muscle, blood plateletsBrain, stomach fundus (rat), gut, heart, kidney, lungChoroid plexus, cortex, limbic system, basal ganglia
FunctionNeuronal depolarization, head twitch, hyperthermia, modulation of neurotransmitter release smooth muscle contraction, platelet activationContraction of the stomach fundus, anxietyHypolocomotion, hypophagia, penile erection, hyperthermia, anxiety, ↓ noradrenalin and dopamine release
Selective AgonistsTCB-2 (2592)BW 723C86 (1059)MK 212 (0941)
Ro 60-0175 (1854)
SCH 23390 (0925)
WAY 161503 (1801)
WAY 629 (2173)
CP 809101 (3041)
1-Methylpsilocin (3017)
Non-subtype Selective AgonistsPNU 22394 (2201)*
α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (0557)
PNU 22394 (2201)*
α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (0557)
m-CPP (0875)
PNU 22394 (2201)
α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (0557)
m-CPP (0875)
Selective AntagonistsR-96544 (1742)
Spiperone (0995)
4F 4PP (0523)
Risperidone (2865)
Altanserin (1809)
SB 204741 (1372)
LY 272015 (3077)
 
N-Desmethylclozapine (1007)
RS 102221 (1050)
SB 242084 (2901)
Non-subtype Selective AntagonistsCyproheptadine (0996)
MDL 11,939 (0870)
Ritanserin (1955)
Cyproheptadine (0996)
MDL 11,939 (0870)
Ritanserin (1955)
Cyproheptadine (0996)
MDL 11,939 (0870)
Ritanserin (1955)

*partial agonist

References

Hoyer et al (1994) VII. International union of pharmacology classification of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Pharmacol. Rev. 46 157. Barnes and Sharp (1999) A review of central 5-HT receptors and their function. Neuropharmacol. 38 1083. Pauwels (2003) 5-HT receptors and their ligands. Tocris Reviews No. 25.