Co-expression of the 5-HT3B subunit with the 5-HT3A receptor reduces alcohol sensitivity

Allosteric modulation of mouse 5-Hydroxytryptamine3A (5-HT3A) and 5-HT3A/B receptor function by ethanol and trichloroethanol (TCEt) was assessed in HEK293 cells with whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings. Ethanol enhanced 5-HT3A receptor function, but had no effect on mouse 5-HT3A/B receptor mediated currents. The enhancing action of trichloroethanol (TCEt) on mouse 5-HT3A/B receptor function was much less than that observed in the mouse 5-HT3A receptor. Where alcohol-induced increases in peak amplitude were observed, the slope of the 20-80% rising phase of current onset was also enhanced, suggesting that increases in activation rate may be one mechanism through which alcohols enhance function of the 5-HT3 receptors.