A serotonin receptor agonist is a compound that activates serotonin receptors, mimicking the effect of the neurotransmitter serotonin. There are various serotonin receptors

5-HT_1A receptor

Buspirone, a 5-HT_1A receptor agonist that is an anxiolytic medication.

5-HT_1D receptor

Triptans are 5-HT_1D receptor agonists that are used to abort migraine attacks.

5-HT_2A receptor

Hallucinogens like LSD, mescaline and psilocybin act as 5-HT_2A agonists, and action at this receptor is thought to be primarily responsible for their hallucinogenic effects (although the 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2C receptors are also involved to a lesser extent)

5-HT₄ receptor

Cisapride is a 5-HT₄ receptor agonist that has been used to treat disorders of gastrointestinal motility.

See also

• Agonist

External links

• IUPHAR GPCR Database - 5-HT receptor family