The serotonin 5-HT7 receptors: two decades of research.

Like most neurotransmitters, serotonin possesses a simple structure. However, the pharmacological consequences are more complex and diverse. Serotonin is involved in numerous functions in the human body including the control of appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood, behavior, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation, and depression.

Biochemical and pharmacological study of N-linked glycosylation of the human serotonin 5-HT₇a receptor.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(7(a)) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor critically involved in human psychiatric and neurological disorders. In the present study, we evaluate the presence and the functional role of N-glycosylation of the human 5-HT(7) receptor. Western blot analysis of HEK293T cells transiently expressing the 5-HT(7(a)) receptor in the presence of tunicamycin gave rise to a band shift, indicating the existence of an N-glycosylated form of the 5-HT(7(a)) receptor.

Cloning, genomic organization and functionality of 5-HT(7) receptor splice variants from mouse brain.

The serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT(7) receptors are expressed in both the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues. Receptor distribution studies and pharmacological studies have established that 5-HT(7) receptors play an important role in the control of circadian rhythms and thermoregulation. Selective 5-HT(7) receptor ligands have potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of pain and migraine, schizophrenia, anxiety, cognitive disturbances and inflammation.

Influence of the antipsychotic drug pipamperone on the expression of the dopamine D4 receptor.

The dopamine D4 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds with high affinity various antipsychotics. The receptor may be involved in attention/cognition, and in genetic studies a polymorphic repeat sequence in its coding sequence has been associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We developed an inducible episomal expression system based on the reverse tetracycline transactivator and Epstein-Barr viral sequences.