Posted by Questionmark on June 12, 2004, at 5:25:47
In reply to Re: 5-HT2A vs. 5-HT2C followup, posted by King Vultan on June 11, 2004, at 19:08:54
Thank you Todd for the informative listing from that book by Stahl. i'm dissapointed, though, because it's incomplete. It didn't mention anything about 5-HT2C receptors being involved in sexual functioning, and they are almost certainly at least invOLved.
Linkadge, you made a good point about 5-HT2C receptors being involved in sexual function, but i disagree that 5-HT2A receptors are not involved as well. i have read more research indicating an involvement of the 5-HT2A receptors than the 5-HT2C receptors.
i'm still confused, but i am convinced that both receptor types are integrally involved, and stimulation of either often seems to have the same effects, in regard to sexual function. For instance, it seems that both receptor subtypes are involved in the inhibition of dopamine release in the brain's reward/pleasure centers (e.g., the nucleus accumbens). This means that stimulation of either receptor will lead to decreased libido and decreased reward & pleasure from sexual things, and eventually will precipitate delayed orgasm or anorgasmia as dopamine transmission continues to be lower. These receptors i think probably also have additional or differently-mediated effects on sexual response in other areas of the brain. And i am quite convinced that stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors in the spinal cord results in a decreased ability to have an orgasm & to ejaculate. Whether or not 5-HT2C receptors are involved in this (spinal inhibition) as well, i do not know. i'm curious.
Basically, i'm convinced that both receptor subtypes are generally related in their actions. i still wish i knew how they differed and in what ways (5-HT2C involvement in appetite is one probable example).
i so wish there was a selective 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2C antagonist on the market. That would be great. Actually, why isn't there?! Imagine all the money it would make from the numerous people who have insomnia, anxiety, and especially sexual dysfunction from a serotonergic antidepressant! i don't understand why drug companies aren't racing to make a drug like this.
Anyway, i'm done rambling. Thanks your responses.
poster:Questionmark
thread:355574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040608/msgs/355978.html