Role of 5-HT1A Receptors in Learning and Memory

Kim, Ji Woong

Abstract

Growing evidence indicates that the serotonin system is important in learning and memory. In particular, several preclinical and clinical studies suggest that modulating the 5-HT1A receptor can influence learning and memory, and indeed, it has been observed that presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonists and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor antagonists tend to ameliorate the learning/memory impairment induced by various methods. In contrast, post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonists tend to decrease the learning/memory function. These observations suggest the possibility that modulating neurotransmission mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor may be effective as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing learning and memory in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, there is no available discussion on the relationship between 5-HT1A receptor and learning/memory in Korea. This article reviews the clinical or preclinical literature on this issue.