Behavioural pharmacology of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: a critical update on therapeutic potential

There has been tremendous interest in 5-HT3 receptor antagonists since their discovery and the subsequent identification of 5-HT3 receptors in the CNS. Based on the results of early behavioural tests with these compounds, there has been substantial interest in their potential use for the treatment of various CNS disorders. In this review, Andrew Greenshaw attempts to clarify the status of the therapeutic potential of these drugs, discussing inconsistencies in preclinical findings and identifying areas in need of clarification through future research. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are claimed to be potentially useful in the treatment of nausea, inflammatory pain (migraine and irritable bowel syndrome), anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia and drug abuse!