Mounting evidence accumulated over the past few years indicates that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a significant role in cognition. As a drug target, serotonin receptors have received notable attention due in particular to the role of several serotonin-receptor subclasses in cognition and memory. The intimate anatomical and neurochemical association of the serotonergic system with brain areas that regulate memory and learning has directed current drug discovery programmes to focus on this system as a major ther- apeutic drug target. Thus far, none of these programmes has yielded un- ambiguous data that suggest that any of the new drug entities possesses disease-modifying properties, and significantly more research in this promis- ing area of investigation is required. Compounds are currently being in- vestigated for activity against serotonin 5-HT1, 5-HT4 and 5-HT6 receptors. This review concludes that most work done in the development of selective serotonin receptor ligands is in the pre-clinical or early clinical phase. Also, while many of these compounds will likely find application as adjuvant therapy in the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease, there are currently only a few drug entities with activity against serotonin receptors that may offer the potential to alter the progression of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Role of serotonin in Alzheimer's disease: a new therapeutic target?
Creator
Geldenhuys Werner J; Van der Schyf Cornelis J
Publisher
CNS Drugs
Date
2011
2011-09
Description
Mounting evidence accumulated over the past few years indicates that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a significant role in cognition. As a drug target, serotonin receptors have received notable attention due in particular to the role of several serotonin-receptor subclasses in cognition and memory. The intimate anatomical and neurochemical association of the serotonergic system with brain areas that regulate memory and learning has directed current drug discovery programmes to focus on this system as a major therapeutic drug target. Thus far, none of these programmes has yielded unambiguous data that suggest that any of the new drug entities possesses disease-modifying properties, and significantly more research in this promising area of investigation is required. Compounds are currently being investigated for activity against serotonin 5-HT(1), 5-HT(4) and
Subject
Humans; Animals; Serotonin/*metabolism; Clinical Trials as Topic; Alzheimer Disease/*drug therapy/*metabolism; Serotonin/*pharmacology/*therapeutic use; Clinical Trials; Receptors; Drug Evaluation; Preclinical; Alzheimer's Disease – Drug Therapy; Alzheimer's Disease – Metabolism; Cell Surface – Metabolism; Serotonin – Pharmacodynamics; Serotonin – Therapeutic Use
Prospects for the Pharmacological Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress in Vulnerable Individuals
Creator
Ostrowski S A; Delahanty D L
Publisher
Cns Drugs
Date
2014
2014-03
Description
Biological studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have found alterations of physiological stress pathways [sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis] soon after trauma in individuals who have subsequently developed PTSD, leading researchers to hypothesize that pharmacological manipulation of stress hormone levels may aid in preventing the development of post-traumatic distress. The present paper first reviews the current understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD development and then provides the rationale and evidence for early pharmacological strategies to prevent/reduce post-traumatic distress in at-risk trauma victims. Emphasis is placed on those interventions targeting the SNS and the HPA axis. Furthermore, in light of recent calls to move away from categorical diagnostic outcomes, we discuss how examining post-traumatic distress from a transdiagnostic viewpoint may inform novel chemoprophylactic approaches (intervening pharmacologically after trauma to prevent post-traumatic distress). Current evidence is suggestive for medications, such as propranolol, hydrocortisone, morphine, and oxytocin, impacting early stress hormone levels and subsequent risk for post-traumatic distress; however, future research is needed prior to adapting recommendations for widespread use of any chemoprophylactic treatments.