5-HT(6 )receptors and Alzheimer's disease

During the past 20 years, the 5-HT(6 )receptor has received increasing attention and become a promising target for improving cognition. Several studies with structurally different compounds have shown that not only antagonists but also 5-HT(6 )receptor agonists improve learning and memory in animal models. A large number of publications describing the development of ligands for this receptor have come to light, and it is now quite evident that 5-HT(6 )receptors have great pharmaceutical potential in terms of related patents. However, 5-HT(6 )receptor functionality is much more complex than initially defined. According to the existing data, different cellular pathways may be activated, depending on the drug being used. This article reviews preclinical and clinical evidence of the effects that 5-HT(6 )receptor compounds have on cognition. In addition, the biochemical and neurochemical mechanisms of action through which 5-HT(6 )receptor compounds can influence cognition will be described. Overall, several 5-HT(6)-targeted compounds can reasonably be regarded as powerful drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.