Cortisol responses to emotional stress in men: Association with a functional polymorphism in the 5HTR2C gene

► The serotonin 5HTR2C receptor mediates HPA axis activation during stress. ► A functional polymorphism of the 5HTR2C gene predicted HPA axis response to stress. ► Specifically, in our study rs6318 moderated cortisol levels in response to stress. ► Genetic variation in 5HTR2C may be associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.