Serotonergic neurotransmission in the regulation of appetite: a receptor approach

Abstract

Neurochemical research on brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) and feeding shows that rat brain serotonin metabolism is increased following ingestion of a carbohydrate rich diet to generate a neurochemical signal for the termination of meal. Increased metabolism may not necessarily enhance postsynaptic function; neuropharmacological studies therefore gained attention. Drugs which mimick 5-HT function at the post synaptic sites have been shown to decrease feeding in experimental animals. Moreover some 5-HTergic drugs are potent anorectic agents. Multiple receptors for 5-HT exist in the central nervous system. Drugs with selectivity towards 5-HT-1B/ 5-HT-1C sites produced hypophagia, while 5-HT-1A selective drugs increased food intake. Studies designed to investigate sensitivity of these receptors following starvation or satiety may prove useful to develop drugs for therapeutic purposes.