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5-HT2A: Its Role in Frontally Mediated Executive Function and Related Psychopathology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Dan J. Stein ,
Sian Hemmings ,
Hanlie Moolman-Smook  and
Kurt Audenaert
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Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT)2A receptors are widely distributed, with high levels in the frontal cortex, where postsynaptic activation may increase activity in pyramidal glutamatergic neurons and mediate various executive functions. More specifically, reciprocal cortical-raphe pathways may allow the ventral prefrontal cortex to inhibit stress-induced neural activity in the brainstem when stressors are perceived as controllable. However, early adversity and negative attitudes may be associated with higher frontal 5-HT2A receptor levels and greater risk for stress-induced psychopathology, and certain 5-HT2A gene variants have been associated with increased risk for impulsive behavior. Conversely, many antidepressants result in decreased levels of 5-HT2A receptor levels, and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors has proven useful in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders.

Type
Pearls in Clinical Neuroscience
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 12 , Issue 7 , July 2007 , pp. 512 - 516
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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