Serotonin 5-HT₂ receptor activation prevents allergic asthma in a mouse model

This animal study investigated the effects of the highly selective 5-HT₂ receptor agonist (R)-DOI (0.01-1mg/kg) in a mouse model of allergic asthma. They demonstrate that inhaled (R)-DOI has potent anti-inflammatory effects and blocks the development of allergic asthma through the activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor subtype.

Abstract

“Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lung characterized by airways hyper-responsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and mucus hyperproduction. Current mainstream therapies include bronchodilators that relieve bronchoconstriction and inhaled glucocorticoids to reduce inflammation. The small molecule hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin has long been known to be involved in inflammatory processes; however, its precise role in asthma is unknown. We have previously established that activation of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptors has potent anti-inflammatory activity in primary cultures of vascular tissues and in the whole animal in vasculature and gut tissues. The 5-HT2A receptor agonist, (R)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine [(R)-DOI] is especially potent. In this work, we have examined the effect of (R)-DOI in an established mouse model of allergic asthma. In the ovalbumin mouse model of allergic inflammation, we demonstrate that inhalation of (R)-DOI prevents the development of many key features of allergic asthma, including AHR, mucus hyperproduction, airways inflammation, and pulmonary eosinophil recruitment. Our results highlight a likely role of the 5-HT2 receptors in allergic airways disease and suggest that 5-HT2 receptor agonists may represent an effective and novel small molecule-based therapy for asthma.”

Authors: Felix Nau, Justin Miller, Jordy Saravia, Terry Ahlert, Bangning Yu, Kyle I. Happel, Stephania A. Cormier & Charles D. Nichols

PDF of Serotonin 5-HT₂ receptor activation prevents allergic asthma in a mouse model