5-HT3 RECEPTORS - PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS

The serotonin 5-HT, receptor is unique among the seven serotonin receptor ''families'' that have been recognized so far. It functions nor as a G-protein coupled but as a direct ion channel gated receptor. Because of the varied neural functions linked to this receptor, intensive research interest has developed in recent years about its basic and clinical pharmacology, which are summarized in this review. Some new agonists and many new antagonists have been developed. These agents have a useful role as selective pharmacologic research probes, and some of them con be used therapeutically as potent and selective antinausea and antiemetic drugs, particularly in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatment or general anesthesia procedures. Potential applications of these agents include the treatment of some behavioral disorders in mental disease, drug addiction, and certain types of pain syndromes.