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Structure–activity relationships of serotonin 5‐HT2Aagonists

David E. Nichols

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Membrane Transport and Signalling February 28, 2012 DOI: 10.1002/wmts.42 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics LSD Serotonin
Keywords Hallucinogen Tryptamines Phenethylamines 5-HT Receptor Pharmacology Inverse agonist Endogenous agonist Stereochemistry Biochemistry
Citations 80
Key findings The 5-HT2A receptor is the principal target for hallucinogenic drugs and for newer atypical antipsychotic agents, with three chemical classes of agonists: tryptamines, ergolines, and phenethylamines.

Abstract

Abstract Of the 14 known types of serotonin receptors one of the most extensively studied is the 5‐HT 2A (5‐hydroxytryptamine) receptor. In the brain, this receptor plays a key role in regulation of cortical function and cognition, appears to be the principal target for the hallucinogenic/psychedelic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and also is a target for the newest atypical antipsychotic agents, which are antagonists or inverse agonists at this site. Among the structure–activity relationships that are known for this receptor type, there are three chemical classes of agonists: tryptamines, ergolines, and phenethylamines. Important structural features are identified for agonist activity and some of these agonists have features in common. In addition to effects at the receptor will be the focus, these drugs are also hallucinogenic (psychedelic) agents, and much of the SAR was developed on the basis of effects in humans, before modern pharmacological techniques were available. A certain amount of our knowledge therefore relies on those human studies. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:559–579. doi: 10.1002/wmts.42 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website .

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