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5-HT2C Receptor Agonists and the Control of Appetite

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Appetite Control

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 209))

Abstract

The role of serotonin (5-HT) in appetite control is well recognised. 5-HT drugs reduce food intake in rodents in a manner consistent with an enhancement of satiety. In humans, they have been shown to reduce caloric intake, an effect associated with reduced hunger and increased satiety. These effects appear to be mediated, at least in part, by the 5-HT2C receptor subtype. 5-HT-acting drugs such as fenfluramine, d-fenfluramine, and sibutramine have provided effective anti-obesity treatments in the past. However, more selective agents are needed that produce the same changes in eating behaviour and induce weight loss without unacceptable side effects. Lorcaserin, a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, is a novel anti-obesity agent that reduces both energy intake and body weight. The effects of lorcaserin on eating behaviour remain to be characterised as does its behavioural specificity.

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Authors and Affiliations

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

    Jason C. G. Halford & Joanne A. Harrold

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  1. Jason C. G. Halford
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  2. Joanne A. Harrold
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Correspondence to Jason C. G. Halford .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Pharmacology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, Nuthetal, 14558, Germany

    Hans-Georg Joost

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Halford, J.C.G., Harrold, J.A. (2012). 5-HT2C Receptor Agonists and the Control of Appetite. In: Joost, HG. (eds) Appetite Control. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 209. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-24716-3_16

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