Gene 5HT1A
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Also known as
HTR1A, G-21, PFMCD, 5-HT1A, 5-HT-1A, ADRBRL1, ADRB2RL1Overview
The 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor is a type of serotonin receptor that is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is a member of the 5-HT1 receptor family, which includes several subtypes of serotonin receptors that are activated by the neurotransmitter serotonin.
The 5-HT1A receptor is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including anxiety, mood, sleep, appetite, and cardiovascular function. It plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, and activation of the 5-HT1A receptor can inhibit the release of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
The 5-HT1A receptor is also thought to be involved in the action of many antidepressant and anxiolytic medications. Some of these drugs, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into neurons, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin available in the synapses (the gaps between neurons). Other drugs, known as serotonin agonists, directly stimulate the 5-HT1A receptor, leading to the release of more serotonin.
Genetic variations in the 5-HT1A receptor gene have been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, the relationship between these genetic variations and the development of these disorders is complex and not fully understood.