Serotonin Receptor 2B Mediates Mechanical Hyperalgesia by Regulating Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)], an inflammatory mediator, contributes to inflammatory pain. The presence of multiple 5-HT subtype receptors on peripheral and central nociceptors complicates the role of 5-HT in pain. Previously, we found that 5-HT(2B/2C) antagonist could block 5-HT-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. However, the types of neurons or circuits underlying this effect remained unsolved. Here, we demonstrate that the G(q/11)-phospholipase Cβ-protein kinase C(ε) (PKCε) pathway mediated by 5-HT(2B) is involved in 5-HT-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in mice. Administration of a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist inhibited the 5-HT-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. 5-HT injection enhanced 5-HT- and capsaicin-evoked calcium signals specifically in isolectin B(4) (IB(4))-negative neurons; signals were inhibited by a 5-HT(2B/2C) antagonist and PKCε blocker. Thus, 5-HT(2B) mediates 5-HT-induced mechanical hyperalgesia by regulating TRPV1 function.