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Co-expression of the 5-HT(3B) subunit with the 5-HT(3A) receptor reduces alcohol sensitivity
Volodya Hayrapetyan1, Monica Jenschke, Glenn H Dillon
1Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, USA.
Abstract:
Allosteric modulation of mouse 5-Hydroxytryptamine(3A) (5-HT(3A)) and 5-HT(3A/B) receptor function by ethanol and trichloroethanol (TCEt) was assessed in HEK293 cells with whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings. Ethanol enhanced 5-HT(3A) receptor function, but had no effect on mouse 5-HT(3A/B) receptor mediated currents. The enhancing action of trichloroethanol (TCEt) on mouse 5-HT(3A/B) receptor function was much less than that observed in the mouse 5-HT(3A) receptor. Where alcohol-induced increases in peak amplitude were observed, the slope of the 20-80% rising phase of current onset was also enhanced, suggesting that increases in activation rate may be one mechanism through which alcohols enhance function of the 5-HT(3) receptors.
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