Abstract:

Abnormal level of serotonin (5-HT) causes adaptive changes of neurotransmitter-receptor signaling pathways, which involve brain dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disorders and closely relate to the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression disorders. Serotonin 1A (5-HT_1A) receptor is the most widely distributed subtype of serotonin receptor in the brain and has become an important target for drug treatment of anxiety and depression disorders. This paper reviews the regulatory effect of 5-HT_1A receptor on depression and anxiety and relevant mechanisms from perspectives of electrophysiology, transgenic zoology, signaling pathways, and pharmacology, which are helpful for thoroughly understanding functions of 5-HT_1A receptor.

Key words: serotonin 1A , receptor, depression, anxiety, modulation