Lecture 2–Serotonin Receptors and Clinical Relevance | Dr. Ali Garatli

This lesson introduces the major serotonin receptor families, with special emphasis on the 5-HT1A receptor and its importance in stress regulation, emotional processing, cognition, and antidepressant action. It explains how serotonin receptors influence hippocampal function, the stress response, dopamine release, and neuroplasticity. The lesson also connects receptor-level pharmacology to clinical practice by discussing how agents acting on 5-HT1A receptors, including SSRIs, vilazodone, and gepirone, may affect mood, anxiety, cognition, and recovery from stress-related symptoms. Overall, it provides a practical bridge between receptor pharmacology and real psychiatric treatment.

Key topics:

• Classification of major serotonin receptor families
• Structure and function of the 5-HT1A receptor
• Role of 5-HT1A in stress modulation and emotional regulation
• Hippocampal function, HPA axis feedback, and memory under stress
• Effects of 5-HT1A activity on dopamine release and cognition
• Therapeutic relevance of 5-HT1A receptors in antidepressant treatment
• Clinical examples including SSRIs, vilazodone, and gepirone