Expression of 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors in Caco-2 cells and their role in the regulation of serotonin transporter activity

J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009 Mar;60(1):157-64.

Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) receptors are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and play an important role in gastrointestinal activity regulation. 5-HT binding to receptors depends on 5-HT availability, which is, in part, modulated by the 5-HT transporter (SERT) expressed in enterocytes. This work concerns the expression of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) receptors (5-HTR(1A) and 5-HTR(7)) in the human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cell line and their role in SERT activity modulation. The results demonstrate the mRNA and protein expression of 5-HTR(1A) and 5-HTR(7) in these cells. In addition, both receptors are shown to modulate SERT activity; 5-HTR(1A) activation increased 5-HT uptake and 5-HTR(7) activation inhibited it. In both cases, SERT modulation might involve a cAMP/PKA pathway. Effects on SERT disappeared after long-term activation of 5-HTR(1A) and 5-HTR(7), indicating their desensitization. However, in both cases, the desensitization did not show itself to be mediated by a reduction of the amount of receptors in the membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / genetics
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Serotonin / genetics
  • Receptors, Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • serotonin 7 receptor
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A
  • Serotonin
  • Cyclic AMP
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases