INNOVATIVE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS BY TARGETING SEROTONIN 1A RECEPTORS SELECTIVELY

Serotonin 1A receptors are being targeted by a variety of drugs, inclu ding partial agonists, full agonists, and antagonists. Some serotonin 1A receptors are presynaptic autoreceptors, and others are postsynapti c. Drug actions on serotonin 1A receptors of one type do not necessari ly parallel those at another type. Thus, it may be that the balance of drug actions at pre- versus postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptors expla ins the therapeutic potential of such agents in anxiety and depression . This article reviews the pharmacological concepts underlying the act ions of serotonin 1A full agonists, partial agonists and antagonists o n both presynaptic and postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptors. The theore tical applications of each type of agent in a variety of clinical appl ications are also discussed, including anxiety, depression, and other novel uses including memory and alcohol abuse. The potential clinical relevance of interactions between serotonin 1A receptors and other ser otonin receptors, particularly serotonin 2 receptors, is also discusse d.