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The Role of Serotonin in Eating Behavior: Focus on 5-HT2C Receptors

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5-HT2C Receptors in the Pathophysiology of CNS Disease

Part of the book series: The Receptors ((REC,volume 22))

Abstract

It is well established that the central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system plays critical roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis and in the processes of meal satiation and satiety. In this chapter the effects of serotonergic drugs on rodent and human appetite expression will be examined along with the effects of some of these drugs on body weight. Particular focus has been given to the 5-HT2C receptor subtype. This not only reflects the theme of the book but also the critical role of this receptor in the effects of 5-HT drugs on appetite, specifically the induction of satiety, and weight control. The 5-HT2C receptor is a target for current antiobesity drug development with one 5-HT2C selective agonist currently entering the later stages of clinical evaluation. Whether this or similar drugs are approved for the treatment of obesity remains to be seen. However, the fact that 5-HT drugs still remain in clinical development 40 years after fenfluramine was originally introduced to treat obesity indicates the important role of this system in the control of appetite expression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kissileff Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behaviour, School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 7ZA

    Jason C. G. Halford

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  1. Jason C. G. Halford
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Correspondence to Jason C. G. Halford .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Physiology and Biochemistr, University of Malta, Msida, Malta, MSD 2080, Italy

    Giuseppe Di Giovanni

  2. Centro di Ricerche Farmacologiche e, Biomediche, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale 8, Santa Maria Imbaro, 66030, Chieti, Italy

    Ennio Esposito

  3. Centro di Ricerche Farmacologiche e, Biomediche, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale 8, Santa Maria Imbaro, 66030, Chieti, Italy

    Vincenzo Di Matteo

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Halford, J.C.G. (2011). The Role of Serotonin in Eating Behavior: Focus on 5-HT2C Receptors. In: Di Giovanni, G., Esposito, E., Di Matteo, V. (eds) 5-HT2C Receptors in the Pathophysiology of CNS Disease. The Receptors, vol 22. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-941-3_17

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