5-HT Receptors and Temperature Homeostasis

The present review summarizes the data concerning the influence of serotonin (5-HT) receptors on body temperature in warm-blooded animals and on processes associated with its maintenance. This review includes the most important part of investigations from the first studies to the latest ones. The established results on the pharmacological activation of 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(3,) 5-HT(7) and 5-HT(2) receptor types are discussed. Such activation of the first 3 type of receptors causes a decrease in body temperature, whereas the 5-HT(2) activation causes its increase. Physiological mechanisms leading to changes in body temperature as a result of 5-HT receptors’ activation are discussed. In case of 5-HT(1A) receptor, they include an inhibition of shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis, as well simultaneous increase of peripheral blood flow, i.e., the processes of heat production and heat loss. The physiological processes mediated by 5-HT(2) receptor are opposite to those of the 5-HT(1A) receptor. Mechanisms of 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(7) receptor participation in these processes are yet to be studied in more detail. Some facts indicating that in natural conditions, without pharmacological impact, these 5-HT receptors are important links in the system of temperature homeostasis, are also discussed.