Cellular and Subcellular Localization of Serotonin Receptors in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Immunocytochemistry allows for a precise localization of neurotransmitter receptors in tissues and cells. This review summarizes much of the available data on the cellular and subcellular distribution of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors in the mammalian central nervous system. Among fourteen 5-HT receptor types, all cloned and sequenced, only a few have yet been amenable to detailed immunocytochemical visualization, not only at the light microscopic but particularly at the electron microscopic level. The 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors have been the most thoroughly investigated and provide a meaningful demonstration of the wealth of information to be gained from this methodological approach, not only in terms of anatomical and cytological localization, and thus physiological role and eventual implication in health and disease, but also of functional properties and drug effects.