5-HT2C receptor agonists as an innovative approach for psychiatric disorders.

Modulating activity at the 5-HT(2C) receptor holds a tremendous amount of therapeutic promise in multiple psychiatric indications. However, the signaling and regulation of the 5-HT(2C) receptor is highly complex due to multiple signaling pathways and agonist-directed trafficking of this receptor. Moreover, the 5-HT(2C) receptor is differentially regulated via RNA editing in multiple psychiatric disorders and following either pharmacological or environmental manipulation. Direct and indirect data suggest that both agonists and antagonists may provide benefits in several disorders. The current review highlights the underlying complexities of this area and provides the rationale for using 5-HT(2C) agonists in the treatment of both schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Copyright 2007 Prous Science. All rights reserved.