5-HT(3) Receptors: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Epilepsy

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a syndrome of brain dysfunction caused by spontaneous, abnormal discharge. Many anti-epileptic drugs have developed in past decades. 5-HT is an important neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous system of the human body which is involved in a number of physiological activities, such as sensation, movement, and behavior. 5-HT subtype have been divided into seven sub-groups from 5-HT1 to 5HT7. However, the role of 5-HT3 receptor on epilepsy is unclear. Therefore, in this article, the possible role of 5-HT3 receptor on epilepsy was systemically reviewed. METHODS: Data were collected from Web of Science, Medline, Pubmed, Scopus, through searching of these keywords: “5-HT3” and “epilepsy”. RESULTS: An increasing number of studies have shown that the activation of the 5-HT3 receptor can inhibit epileptic seizures, while inhibition of the 5-HT3 receptor can promote spike waves. CONCLUSION: In this review, we discuss the relationship between the 5HT3 receptor and epilepsy; this review may provide a new insight for clinical application of epilepsy treatment.