Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
08:49
Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
9.1K
Serotonin 2A receptors and cannabinoids.
Inés Ibarra-Lecue1, Rebeca Diez-Alarcia2, Leyre Urigüen2
1Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.
Progress in Brain Research
|February 5, 2021
Summary
Both external cannabinoids and endocannabinoid system imbalances contribute to mental health disorders. This review explores their interaction, particularly focusing on serotonin 2A receptors in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and exogenous cannabinoids are implicated in mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
- Research has focused on molecular mechanisms linking cannabinoid agonists to disease pathophysiology.
- Serotonin neurotransmission, particularly serotonin 2A receptors, is increasingly recognized for its role in mood disorders and schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze key attributes of serotonin 2A receptors and the ECS.
- To highlight evidence of functional bidirectional interactions between the ECS and serotonin 2A receptors in the brain.
- To examine the impact of ECS dysregulation on serotonin 2A receptor functionality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of molecular and functional interactions between ECS and serotonin 2A receptors.
- Exploration of the role of ECS dysregulation in psychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a significant interplay between the ECS and serotonin 2A receptor signaling.
- Dysregulation of the ECS can alter serotonin 2A receptor function, potentially contributing to mental disorders.
- Bidirectional communication pathways exist between the ECS and serotonin 2A receptors in the brain.
Conclusions:
- The ECS and serotonin 2A receptors are critical neurobiological targets for understanding and treating mental disorders.
- Further research into their interaction may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for conditions like schizophrenia.
- Understanding ECS-serotonin 2A receptor dynamics is crucial for advancing psychiatric medicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
509
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
509
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
625
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
625
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.4K
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.4K
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
3.1K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
3.1K
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
128.6K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
128.6K
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
590
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
590