5-Hydroxytryptamine in the central nervous system.

: The review summarizes the results of studies into the role of 5-HT as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The biosynthesis, release, metabolism and distribution of 5-HT; classification and localization of 5-HT receptors; electrophysiological effects of 5-HT and its influence on second messengers; autoregulation of 5-HT release; effects of 5-HT on the release of other neurotransmitters and pituary hormones; behavioral effects induced by 5-HT receptor agonists and the functional interaction between different receptor subtypes have been described. Additionally, some data on functional changes in the 5-HT system in psychiatric disorders have been cited, and a possibility of clinical utilization of 5-HT-active related drugs in neuropsychiatric and other diseases has been reviewed.