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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Quantifying Agonist Activity at G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: December 26, 2011
Structure-activity relationships of phenylalkylamines as agonist ligands for 5-HT(2A) receptors
Antoni R Blaazer1, Pieter Smid, Chris G Kruse
1Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Centre for NeuroScience, University of Amsterdam, Kruislaan 320, 1098 SM Amsterdam. ton@blaazer.nl
Abstract:
Agonist activation of central 5-HT(2A) receptors results in diverse effects, such as hallucinations and changes of consciousness. Recent findings indicate that activation of the 5-HT(2A) receptor also leads to interesting physiological responses, possibly holding therapeutic value. Selective agonists are needed to study the full therapeutic potential of this receptor. 5-HT(2A) ligands with agonist profiles are primarily derived from phenylalkylamines, indolealkylamines, and certain piperazines. Of these, phenylalkylamines, most notably substituted phenylisopropylamines, are considered the most selective agonists for 5-HT(2) receptors. This review summarizes the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of phenylalkylamines as agonist ligands for 5-HT(2A) receptors. Selectivity is a central theme, as is selectivity for the 5-HT(2A) receptor and for its specific signaling pathways. SAR data from receptor affinity studies, functional assays, behavioral drug discrimination as well as human studies are discussed.
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