The serotonergic system and cognitive function

Švob Štrac, Dubravka; Pivac, Nela; Muck-Šeler, Dorotea (2016) The serotonergic system and cognitive function. Translational Neuroscience, 7 (1). pp. 35-49. ISSN 2081-3856

Preview

PDF - Published Version - article Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (151kB) | Preview

Abstract

Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction like memory loss, poor concentration, impaired learning and executive functions are characteristic features of both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition in healthy subjects and neuropsychiatric patients are not completely understood. Studies have focused on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as one of the possible cognitionrelated biomarkers. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current literature on the role of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system in cognitive function, particularly in AD and schizophrenia. The role of the 5-HTergic system in cognition is modulated by the activity and function of 5-HT receptors (5-HTR) classified into seven groups, which differ in structure, action, and localization. Many 5-HTR are located in the regions linked to various cognitive processes. Preclinical studies using animal models of learning and memory, as well as clinical in vivo (neuroimaging) and in vitro (post-mortem) studies in humans have shown that alterations in 5-HTR activity influence cognitive performance. The current evidence implies that reduced 5-HT neurotransmission negatively influences cognitive functions and that normalization of 5-HT activity may have beneficial effects, suggesting that 5-HT and 5-HTR represent important pharmacological targets for cognition enhancement and restoration of impaired cognitive performance in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Alzheimer’s disease ; cognitive function ; receptors ; schizophrenia ; serotonin
Subjects:	BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE > Basic Medical Sciences
Divisions:	Division of Molecular Medicine
Depositing User:	Dubravka Švob Štrac
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2022 10:04
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/6897
DOI:	10.1515/tnsci-2016-0007

Actions (login required)

View Item