Background of the antigen
Serotonin (also designated 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a molecule that functions as a neurotransmitter, a hormone and a mitogen, and it is predominantly expressed in the gut, platelets and central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, serotonin modulates several processes, including anxiety, sleep, appetite, behavior and drug abuse. In platelets and gut, serotonin plays a major role in cardiovascular function and motility of the gastrointestinal tract, respectively. Serotonin mediates its effects through several of G protein coupled receptors, designated 5-HT receptors or alternatively SR receptors. The SR-2 receptors are comprised of three subtypes, SR-2A, SR-2B and SR-2C, which activate phospholipase C and release intracellular stores of calcium in response to serotonin. SR-2A has a specific role in tracheal smooth muscle contraction, bronchoconstriction and mediating aldosterone production, and it is also thought to play a role in several psychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. SR-2B is expressed in embryonic and adult cardiovascular tissues, gut and brain and plays an important role in the pathology of cardiac disorders. SR-2C is thought to mediate the effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs.
