The 5-HT1B Receptor: Behavioral Implications

5-HT1B receptors are expressed throughout the mammalian central nervous system. These receptors are located in the axon terminals of both serotonergic and nonserotonergic neurons, where they act as inhibitory autoreceptors or heteroreceptors, respectively. 5-HT1B receptors inhibit the release of a range of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, and glutamate. These receptors have been difficult to study because of the diversity of their cellular localization and the absence of highly selective agonists and antagonists. There has been accumulating evidence, however, that 5-HT1B receptors modulate drug reinforcement, stress sensitivity, mood, anxiety, and aggression. The general results of…