Functions of 5-HT2A receptor and its antagonists in the cardiovascular system

Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Oct;104(1):59-81. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2004.08.005.

Abstract

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors have conventionally been divided into seven subfamilies, most of which have several subtypes. Among them, 5-HT(2A) receptor is associated with the contraction of vascular smooth muscle, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation and coronary artery spasms. Accordingly, selective 5-HT(2A) antagonists may have potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Sarpogrelate, a selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist, has been introduced clinically as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of ischemic diseases associated with thrombosis. Molecular modeling studies also suggest that sarpogrelate is a 5-HT(2A) selective antagonist and is likely to have pharmacological effects beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review describes the above findings as well as the signaling linkages of the 5-HT(2A) receptors and the mode of agonist binding to 5-HT(2A) receptor using data derived from molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects*
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / physiology*
  • Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / chemistry
  • Serotonin Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists
  • Serotonin Antagonists