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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Pathophysiological roles of serotonergic system in regulating extrapyramidal motor functions
Yukihiro Ohno1, Saki Shimizu, Kentaro Tokudome
1Laboratory of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Serotonin receptors modulate motor control, impacting neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. Targeting specific serotonin receptors (5-HT) offers potential therapeutic strategies for extrapyramidal motor deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The serotonergic system, utilizing serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), regulates crucial neurological functions.
- Dysregulation of 5-HT receptors is implicated in motor disorders, including Parkinson's disease and antipsychotic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of various serotonin (5-HT) receptors in extrapyramidal motor functions.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of modulating 5-HT receptor activity for neurological motor disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on 5-HT receptor function in motor control.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of receptor antagonism and activation on motor deficits.
Main Results:
- Antagonism of 5-HT2A/2C receptors alleviates antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) by enhancing dopaminergic activity.
- Activation of 5-HT1A receptors demonstrates antiparkinsonian effects in animal models.
- Antagonism of 5-HT3 and 5-HT6 receptors shows promise in treating extrapyramidal motor disorders, while other subtypes appear less involved.
Conclusions:
- Specific serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes play critical roles in regulating extrapyramidal motor functions.
- Targeting 5-HT2A/2C, 5-HT1A, 5-HT3, and 5-HT6 receptors represents a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutics for motor disorders.
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