Serotonin (
5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is most commonly known for its role as a
neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the majority of the body's
5-HT is produced in the gut by enterochromaffin (EC) cells. Alterations in
5-HT signaling have been associated with various gut disorders including
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and enteric
infections. Recently, our studies have identified a key role for
5-HT in the pathogenesis of experimental
colitis. 5-HT7 receptors are expressed in the gut and very recently, we have shown evidence of
5-HT7 receptor expression on intestinal immune cells and demonstrated a key role for 5-HT7 receptors in generation of experimental
colitis. This review summarizes the key findings of these studies and provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of the
5-HT7 receptor in terms of its pathophysiological relevance and therapeutic potential in intestinal inflammatory conditions, such as IBD.