Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
Preclinical evidence for the role of serotonin receptor-subtypes in depression
Abstract:
Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in depression and specific 5-HT reuptake blockers appear to be clinically important antidepressants. It is unclear however, which serotonergic mechanism is involved in the antidepressant effect, certainly when regarding the existence of at least seven 5-HT receptor subtypes. By testing different 5-HT ligands in two animal models of depression (forced swimming and DRL72-S test) and comparison with data from literature, evidence is provided for potential antidepressant qualities of 5-HT1A receptor-agonists and 5-HT1C receptor-antagonists. Compounds binding to 5-HT1B, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors do not have an antidepressant profile. Results of clinical research support the predicted antidepressive effects of 5-HT1A receptor-agonists.
Related Concept Videos
G-protein Coupled Receptors
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview

