Serotonin and sensory nerves: Meeting in the cardiovascular system

Abstract

Blood pressure regulation by 5-HT has proven to be a complex story to unravel. The work by Cuesta et al in this issue of Vascular Pharmacology adds another layer of complexity by providing sound in vivo data that 5-HT, through the 5-HT7 receptor, can inhibit the vasodepressor actions of the sensory nervous system and thereby promote blood pressure maintenance. This interaction of 5-HT with the sensory nervous system is inhibitory, whereas 5-HT is understood to be stimulatory in other systems. Moreover, activation of the 5-HT7 receptor has been linked to both reduction and elevation of blood pressure. These interactions are discussed in this mini-review, as are potential steps forward in understanding the interplay of 5-HT, the sensory nervous system and blood pressure.

Cardiovascular serotonergic system: Evolution, receptors, transporter, and function

“…Isolated rabbit endothelial‐denuded saphenous vein preparations contracted in response to serotonin binding to 5‐HT 1D receptors and the response was counteracted by nitric oxide in endothelial intact tissue preparations (Valentin et al, 1996). It was stated that “the role of the sensory nervous system in blood pressure regulation is underappreciated” (Watts, 2014). Evidence from studies in rats indicate that a 5‐HT 7 agonist inhibits the release of neurotransmitters such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from sensory nerves thereby inhibiting vasomotor depression and increasing blood pressure.…”

“…Evidence from studies in rats indicate that a 5‐HT 7 agonist inhibits the release of neurotransmitters such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from sensory nerves thereby inhibiting vasomotor depression and increasing blood pressure. It is unknown if such a regulatory role of 5‐HT 7 receptors exists in humans (Cuesta et al, 2014; Watts, 2014).…”

Exercise Reduces Lung Fibrosis Involving Serotonin/Akt Signaling

“…Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine ) is a neurotransmitter and a vasoactive peptide present in very low concentrations in the circulation, which is transported mainly via platelets (5). 5-HT is involved in the control of several physiological and pathological conditions (15,26,27,34,43), including various respiratory diseases. Beyond playing a role in IPF (6)(7)(8), elevated 5-HT signaling was also shown to play a role in asthma phenotype (5) and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (34).…”

Effect of Sleep Bruxism Intensity on Blood Pressure in Normotensives

“…Therefore, the potential mechanism that causes decrease and variability in SBP in severe sleep bruxers could reflect the regulating effect of serotonin on the autonomic system activity [ 42 ]. Serotonin is also related to vasoconstriction and vasodilatation functions [ 43 ]. The results of the current study support this fact by showing that severe sleep bruxers had lower MAP in daytime.…”