5-HT(2A) receptors stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase via H(2)O(2) generation in rat renal mesangial cells.

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates mitogenesis in rat renal mesangial cells through a G protein-coupled 5-HT(2A) receptor. We tested the hypothesis that oxidants might be involved in the signal transduction pathway linking the receptor to extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). 5-HT rapidly increased the activity and phosphorylation of ERK.