Activation of 5-HT7 receptors increases neuronal platelet-derived growth factor β receptor expression

Several antipsychotics have a high affinity for 5-HT7 receptors yet despite intense interest in the 5-HT7 receptor as a potential drug target to treat psychosis, the function and signaling properties of 5-HT7 receptors in neurons remain largely uncharacterized. In primary mouse hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as in the SH-SY5Y cell line, incubation with 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), or 5-HT7 receptor-selective agonists increases the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)β receptors. The increased PDGFβ receptor expression is cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-dependent, suggesting that 5-HT7 receptors couple to Gαs in primary neurons. Interestingly, up-regulated PDGFβ receptors display an increased basal phosphorylation state at the phospholipase Cγ-activating tyrosine 1021. This novel linkage between the 5-HT7 receptor and the PDGF system may be an important GPCR-neurotrophic factor signaling pathway in neurons.

► Treatment of neurons with 5-HT7 receptor agonist results in an up-regulation of PDGF receptor protein expression. ► PDGF receptors have an increased basal phosphorylation state after 5-HT7 receptor activation. ► 5-HT7 receptor increases PDGF receptor expression in primary hippocampal, cortical neurons and SH-SY5Y cells.