While multiple lines of evidence implicate the 5-HT1A receptor in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression as well as in the mechanism of action of anxiolytics/antidepressants, its relevance to the therapeutic effectiveness of these drugs has been a matter of considerable debate (for review see Griebel, 1995; Hensler, 2003; Hjorth et al., 2000; Lesch et al., 2003).
A functional promoter polymorphism in the serotonin receptor 1A (5-HT1A) gene has been found to be associated with major depression as well as anxiety- and depression-related personality traits.
Our findings indicate a role of allelic variation in 5-HT1A receptor expression in the development and modulation of anxiety- and depression-related personality traits.
The serotonin system, and the serotonin(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor in particular, have been under intense investigation, mostly due to the fact that serotonergic drugs that directly or indirectly affect the 5-HT(1A) receptor, are effective therapeutic agents in treating patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression.
In contrast, the GABA(A)-BZ receptor system seems to function normally in the 5-HT(1A) R KO in the 129/Sv background suggesting that changes in the GABA(A)-BZ receptor system may not be a prerequisite for anxiety but rather could have a modifying effect on this phenotype.
These results demonstrate that 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the modulation of exploratory and fear-related behaviors and suggest that reductions in 5-HT1A receptor density due to genetic defects or environmental stressors might result in heightened anxiety.
These results demonstrate that 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the modulation of exploratory and fear-related behaviors and suggest that reductions in 5-HT1A receptor density due to genetic defects or environmental stressors might result in heightened anxiety.