The role and therapeutic potential of 5-HT-moduline in psychiatry.

The endogenous neuropeptide, 5-HT-moduline, selectively and allosterically interacts with 5-HT(1B) receptors. By binding at a site distinct from that bound by 5-HT, 5-HT-moduline induces structural changes in 5-HT(1B) receptors or stabilizes a particular conformation of these receptors. These conformational changes ultimately lead to the prevention of 5-HT binding resulting in desensitization of these receptors and reduction of the serotonergic function.