5-HT3 receptor
Main function
5-HT3 responds rapidly to serotonin and helps transmit signals between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. It plays an important role in nausea and vomiting, gut sensitivity, pain processing and some anxiety-related responses. Unlike most serotonin receptors, 5-HT3 directly opens an ion channel when activated, allowing it to produce fast effects on nerve signalling.
Main body locations
Positive and negative describe interaction direction, not whether an effect is good or bad. Activating a target can have unwanted effects, while reducing or blocking it can sometimes have beneficial effects.
Increased activity
Increased 5-HT3 activity can increase nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and sensitivity to gut-related pain. Stronger activation may also increase anxiety and stress responses and can affect attention and memory by changing the release of other neurotransmitters.
No linked substances yet.
Reduced or blocked activity
Reduced or blocked 5-HT3 activity can strongly reduce nausea and vomiting and may decrease abdominal pain and excessive gut sensitivity. It may also reduce some anxiety-related responses and is the mechanism used by anti-nausea medicines such as ondansetron.