We investigated the presence of mRNA for serotonin receptors of type 2C (5-
HT2C) in resting lymphocytes by means of RT-PCR and Southern blotting analy
ses, given their possible role in the pathophysiology of anxiety and eating
disorders. At the same time, we explored also the presence of the specific
mRNA for 5-HT5A receptors, a novel subtype for which still no functional d
ata exist, Healthy subjects and patients with obsessive-compulsive or bipol
ar disorders were included in the study, The results showed the presence of
the specific mRNAs for both 5-HT2C and 5-HT5A receptors in resting lymphoc
ytes of the three groups of subjects. An additional band was also observed
after the amplification of the 5-HT5A cDNA in each sample. These findings,
while revealing the presence of 5-HT2C and 5-HT5A receptor mRNAs in an easi
ly available tissue, can be considered preliminary for future quantitative
analyses in patients with different psychiatric conditions. Copyright (C) 2
001 S. Karger AG. Basel.