Analgesic effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.

Current research suggests an involvement of 5-HT3 receptors in peripheral and central perception and processing of pain as well as in inflammation. Tropisetron and other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have been used successfully for pain reduction and treatment of related symptoms in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This article proposes a concept of the underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms of action of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the context of the relevant clinical data on their application in patients with rheumatic disease.