5-HT2B Receptor in Cardiopulmonary Disease

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary disease is driven by a plethora of factors, some well characterized and others still undiscovered. The 5-HT2B serotonin receptor (5-HT2BR) is one such factor that has gained attention and contributed to the understanding of disease development. 5-HT2BR is present throughout the cardiopulmonary system, most notably in cardiac valves, lung tissue, and the myocardium. Persistent activation of the receptor contributes to disease onset, initially reported following administration of anti-obesity compounds whose metabolites were potent 5-HT2BR agonists. These patients had increased incidences of valve disease as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension. The 5-HT2BR is also integral to normal cardiac development, and there is evidence describing the impact of 5-HT2BR activation inducing cardiac hypertrophy. The body of research highlights the importance of serotonergic signaling, specifically through 5-HT2BR, in the development of cardiopulmonary disease and merits consideration into investigating the therapeutic potential manipulating 5-HT2BR signaling.