Chapter 23: Serotonin 5-HT₄ Receptors as Pharmacological Targets for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Check Access

The serotonin 5-HT₄ receptor (5-HT₄R) is a member of the seven transmembrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Since its discovery in mouse colliculi neurons, the 5-HT₄R has received a considerable attention for its physiological effect in the central nervous system (CNS). Thanks to the availability of selective 5-HT₄ ligands and the cloning of 5-HT₄ receptor C-terminal splice variants, many studies have shown the involvement of the 5-HT₄R in cognitive processes making this GPCR as a possible therapeutic target for symptomatic treatment of memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). After an introduction to the chemistry of 5-HT₄R ligands, and the molecular identification and pharmacological characterization of recombinant 5-HT₄R, here we discuss on the potential use of 5-HT₄R agonists as therapeutical agents influencing the cholinergic system and the amyloid precursor protein processing for the treatment of AD.