Multiple controls exerted by 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptors upon basal ganglia function: from physiology to pathophysiology

• Published in: Experimental brain research Vol. 230; no. 4; p. 477
• Main Authors: De Deurwaerdère, P, Lagière, M, Bosc, M, Navailles, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer Nature B.V 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Disease; Dopamine; Dyskinesia; Ligands; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Parkinson's disease; Pathophysiology; Physiology; Schizophrenia; Serotonin
• ISSN: 0014-4819; 1432-1106
• DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3508-2

Issue Title: Special Issue: Serotonin in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of CNS Disorders Serotonin2C (5-HT^sub 2C^) receptors are expressed in the basal ganglia, a group of subcortical structures involved in the control of motor behaviour, mood and cognition. These receptors are mediating the effects of 5-HT throughout different brain areas via projections originating from midbrain raphe nuclei. A growing interest has been focusing on the function of 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptors in the basal ganglia because they may be involved in various diseases of basal ganglia function notably those associated with chronic impairment of dopaminergic transmission. 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptors act on numerous types of neurons in the basal ganglia, including dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic or cholinergic cells. Perhaps inherent to their peculiar molecular properties, the modality of controls exerted by 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptors over these cell populations can be phasic, tonic (dependent on the 5-HT tone) or constitutive (a spontaneous activity without the presence of the ligand). These controls are functionally organized in the basal ganglia: they are mainly localized in the input structures and preferentially distributed in the limbic/associative territories of the basal ganglia. The nature of these controls is modified in neuropsychiatric conditions such as Parkinson's disease, tardive dyskinesia or addiction. Most of the available data indicate that the function of 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptor is enhanced in cases of chronic alterations of dopamine neurotransmission. The review illustrates that 5-HT^sub 2C^ receptors play a role in maintaining continuous controls over the basal ganglia via multiple diverse actions. We will discuss their interest for treatments aimed at ameliorating current pharmacotherapies in schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease or drugs abuse.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]