Serotonin receptors in epilepsy: Novel treatment targets?

Abstract

Despite the availability of over 30 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no “one size fits it all,” so there is a continuing search for novel ASMs. There are divergent data demonstrating that modulation of distinct serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) receptors subtypes could be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities, whereas only a few ASM, such as fenfluramine (FA), act via 5‐HT. There are 14 different 5‐HT receptor subtypes, and most epilepsy studies focus on one or a few of these subtypes, using different animal models and different ligands. We reviewed the available evidence of each 5‐HT receptor subtype using MEDLINE up to July 2021. Our search included medical subject heading (MeSH) and free terms of each “5‐HT subtype” separately and its relation to “epilepsy or seizures.” Most research underlines the antiseizure activity of 5‐HT_{1A,1D,2A,2C,3} agonism and 5‐HT₆ antagonism. Consistently, FA, which has recently been approved for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome, is an agonist of 5‐HT_1D,2A,2C receptors. Even though each study focused on a distinct seizure/epilepsy type and generalization of different findings could lead to false interpretations, we believe that the available preclinical and clinical studies emphasize the role of serotonergic modulation, especially stimulation, as a promising avenue in epilepsy treatment.

Key points.

• Over 30 antiseizure medications (ASMs) are available, yet one‐third of epilepsy patients do not achieve appropriate seizure control.

• Hence, there is an unmet need for ASMs with innovative mechanisms of action, such as serotonergic (5‐HT) modulation.

• Until now only one ASM acts via 5‐HT, that is, fenfluramine (FA), which likely is a 5‐HT_1D,2A,2C agonist and approved for Dravet syndrome.

• Interestingly, numerous studies show that 5‐HT_{1A,1D,2A,2C,3} agonists and 5‐HT₆ antagonists are promising candidates for epilepsy treatment.

• Although generalizing these studies could lead to false interpretations, 5‐HT modulation withholds a novel avenue in epilepsy treatment.

1. INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease, affecting up to 70 million people worldwide. The ultimate goal for patients with epilepsy (PWE) is to achieve complete seizure control without drug‐induced adverse events and preserve the quality of life. The mainstay of epilepsy treatment is controlling seizures by antiseizure medications (ASMs; previously referred to as anti‐epileptic drugs, AEDs) that can act through different pathways, that is, an increase of neuronal inhibition and/or a decrease of neuronal excitation. ¹

The first‐generation ASMs mainly act by blocking sodium channels or stimulating the neurotransmission by γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), ² while second‐ and third‐generation ASMs have distinct molecular targets. ³ Moreover, the pharmacokinetic profile of the newer ASMs has improved, which led to more predictable dose–response effects, fewer side effects, and fewer/no drug–drug interactions. ⁴ Nonetheless, more than 30% of the PWE seizures cannot be controlled with the currently available ASMs. ⁵

In general, ASM discovery and development are encouraged for orphan diseases (ie affecting <5/10 000 people in the general population), such as Dravet syndrome (DS). ⁶ , ⁷ This strategy has led to the discovery of fenfluramine (FA), a serotonergic drug, that successfully reduces seizures in DS patients. ⁸ This serotonergic drug is also under evaluation for other severe epilepsy syndromes, such as Lennox–Gastaut and Sunflower syndrome. ⁹ , ¹⁰ , ¹¹ Since preliminary data with this serotonergic drug are promising, it is expected that serotonergic modulation is a promising target to stop (drug‐resistant) seizures. Even though FA is believed to affect non‐serotonergic pathways as well, such as sigma‐1 (σ1) receptors, ¹² , ¹³ , ¹⁴ the exact anti‐epileptic mechanisms are still elusive and it seems likely that serotonin is involved based on preclinical data. ¹³ , ¹⁵ , ¹⁶ , ¹⁷

With this in mind, other studies have underlined that serotonergic receptors seem to be an interesting target for future ASMs. ² , ¹⁸ , ¹⁹ In addition, ample preclinical and clinical evidence is available to suggest the importance of serotonergic neurotransmission in epilepsy, depression, headache, and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP). ¹⁸ , ²⁰ , ²¹ , ²² , ²³ , ²⁴ , ²⁵ , ²⁶ , ²⁷ , ²⁸ , ²⁹ Most compelling evidence of the 14 different serotonin receptors and its role in epilepsy have been reviewed by Gharedaghi and colleagues in 2014. ¹⁸

Therefore, we aimed to update this review with the available research of the last 7 years and provide a comprehensive overview of the modulation of each serotonin receptor in the pathology/treatment of epilepsy.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the existing literature by means of MEDLINE (using PubMed) up to July 2021, following the PRISMA guidelines (Table S1). The following search with medical subject heading (MeSH) and free terms was used: (((((((((((((5‐HT1A receptor) OR (5‐HT1A receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms]))) OR (((5‐HT1B receptor[MeSH Terms]) OR (5‐HT1B receptor)) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT1D receptor) OR (5‐HT1D receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT1E receptor) OR (5‐HT1E receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT1F receptor) OR (5‐HT1F receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT2A receptor) OR (5‐HT2A receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT2B receptor) OR (5‐HT2B receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT3 receptor) OR (5‐HT3 receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT4 receptor) OR (5‐HT4 receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT5 receptor) OR (5‐HT5 receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT6 receptor) OR (5‐HT6 receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms])))) OR (((5‐HT7 receptor) OR (5‐HT7 receptor[MeSH Terms])) AND ((((epilepsy) OR (epilepsy[MeSH Terms])) OR (seizures)) OR (seizures[MeSH Terms]))).

A review of the full text of the obtained articles was performed to exclude articles: (1) without the notion of the role of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor subtype in epilepsy and/or seizures and (2) studies that consisted of insufficient data to evaluate one or more 5‐HT receptor subtypes in epilepsy and/or seizures. Outcomes of interest were no, proconvulsive or anticonvulsive effects of modulating a distinct 5‐HT receptor subtype. In addition, other neurological features by stimulating or blocking the 5‐HT receptor subtypes were documented.

Our search has led to 229 publications during the last 20 years, of which 93 elaborated on the effects of distinct 5‐HT ligands and epilepsy/seizure treatment. Due to subsequent analyses of these publications' references, 81 other valuable articles were identified. Finally, this led to the inclusion of 174 articles about 5‐HT and seven articles about epilepsy and ASM (n = 181 total) (Figure S1: Citation flowchart of search strategy).”

3. RESULTS

3.1. 5‐HT receptors and epilepsy

Our search has led to 229 publications during the last twenty years, of which 93 elaborated on the effects of distinct 5‐HT ligands and epilepsy/seizure treatment. Due to subsequent analyses of these publications' references, 61 other valuable articles were identified. Finally, this led to the inclusion of 154 articles about 5‐HT and seven articles about epilepsy and ASM (n = 161 total).

Current research highlights the potential of modulating serotonergic transmission and targeting distinct serotonin (5‐HT) receptors in the treatment of epilepsy. ²⁰ , ³⁰ Consistently, 5‐HT is involved in different types of epilepsy, both in a preclinical and clinical setting. ³¹ This monoaminergic neurotransmitter, 5‐HT, affects numerous processes in the human body. During the late 1940s, 5‐HT was discovered in the blood causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels. ³² Soon thereafter, its presence was confirmed also in blood vessel walls, blood platelets, enterochromaffin cells, the lungs, and the heart. Even though the majority of 5‐HT is present in the gastrointestinal tract (90%, enterochromaffin cells), it is a key player in maintaining normal brain physiology. Hence, it is not surprising that defects in serotonergic transmission have been related to numerous neurological diseases, such as epilepsy and depression. ²⁰ , ³³ , ³⁴ , ³⁵

5‐HT‐related research has exploded since the discovery in 1940‐1950 resulting in successful approaches to characterize the different 5‐HT receptor subtypes. Already by 1980; 5‐HT_1‐like, 5‐HT₂, and 5‐HT₃ were characterized. However, the classification has changed in the following years due to better insights into molecular biology and secondary pathways. For example, 5‐HT_1C receptors are now referred to as 5‐HT_2C sine they have 78% sequence homology with 5‐HT₂ receptors. This receptor subtype is coupled to a phosphoinositol (PI) pathway, like the other two 5‐HT₂ receptors (5‐HT_2A and 5‐HT_2B). Nowadays, receptor classification is based on similarities regarding structural (nucleotide and amino acid components), transduction (secondary pathways), and ligand‐binding profiles (drug‐related). Overall, 14 5‐HT receptor subtypes have been identified and are currently categorized into seven families (5‐HT₁‐5‐HT₇). ³⁶ All 5‐HT receptor subtypes are G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCR), except the 5‐HT₃ subtype. This latter receptor is a ligand‐gated sodium‐potassium channel, which causes depolarization of the cell membrane, that is, an excitatory effect. The other receptors are GPCR, that is, seven‐transmembrane receptors that activate intracellular second messenger cascades. Members of the 5‐HT₁ family (5‐HT_{1A,1B,1D,1E,1F}) and 5‐HT₅ decrease adenylyl cyclase (AC) and subsequently cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the cell, causing inhibitory effects. The 5‐HT₂ family (5‐HT_2A,2B,2C) increases intracellular concentrations of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) by phospholipase C (PLC) activation, inducing excitation. The following subtype receptors increase AC: 5‐HT₄, 5‐HT₆, and 5‐HT₇, and thus causing excitation as well. ³⁶ There is evidence that targeting different 5‐HT receptors and/or affecting 5‐HT metabolism and transport could be efficacious in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities (eg, depression). ²⁰ , ²¹ , ³¹ , ³³ , ³⁷ , ³⁸ In 2014, Gharedaghi and colleagues showed that stimulating 5‐HT₁, 5‐HT₂, or 5‐HT₃ receptor subtypes produce anticonvulsive effects. Regarding inhibition of the 5‐HT₄‐, 5‐HT₆‐, or 5‐HT₇ receptors, the debate is still ongoing and more data are needed regarding the pro‐ or anticonvulsive effects of the 5‐HT₅ receptor. ¹⁸ , ²² , ³¹ In addition, various studies have used different compounds that are not always highly selective, different animal models, administration routes, and doses. ¹⁸ , ³⁹ Moreover, controversial and sometimes contradictory findings were published. Thus, all these data should be interpreted with caution and require further research to determine which specific 5‐HT ligand(s) could be effective in treating a certain form of epilepsy/epilepsy syndrome or other (neurological) diseases (Table 1).

TABLE 1.

Serotonin (5‐HT) receptor modulation and their preclinical/clinical potential

Improvement of (neurological) diseases and/or health features by
5‐HT receptor	Stimulation		Inhibition		Main reference(s)
	Preclinical	Clinical	Preclinical	Clinical
1A	Aggression, anxiety, craving, depression, epilepsy, impulsivity, sleep	TLE (?), anxiety, depression	Absence epilepsy, cognition	Depression	43, 172
1B	Aggression, locomotor activity, sleep	—	—	—	58, 172
1D	Depression, epilepsy	Migraine	—	—	59, 172
1E	—	—	—	—	64
1F	Migraine	—	—	—	68
2A	Appetite, the absence epilepsy thermoregulation, sleep, SUDEP	Cognition	—	Psychosis, sleep	70
2B	—	—	Cardiotoxicity, schizophrenia, drug addiction	Pulmonary hypertension	94
2C	Appetite, (absence) epilepsy	Appetite, epilepsy	—	—	83
3	Epilepsy, SUDEP	—	Anxiety, cognition, depression, migraine, pain	Nausea, vomiting, psychosis	173
4	Cognition, depression epilepsy, SUDEP	Constipation, IBS, reflux	Anxiety, epilepsy		117
5	Cognition	—	—	—	120
6	Depression	—	Cognition, depression, epilepsy	TLE (?)	121
7	Behavior, cognition, epilepsy, mood	—	Cognition, depression, epilepsy	—	128

(?) indicates uncertain effects of pharmacological modulation of this receptor subtype. See text for all the references of these (pre)clinical studies.

Abbreviations: IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; OCD, obsessive‐compulsive behavior; sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP); TLE, temporal lobe epilepsy.

3.1.1. 5‐HT_1A receptors

5‐HT_1A receptors are the most widely studied receptors in the 5‐HT research. Structurally, they differ significantly from the other 5‐HT receptors and show similarities to adrenergic receptors that potentially explain the high affinity of several adrenergic agents (eg, propranolol) to 5‐HT_1A receptors.

Agonists of the 5‐HT_1A receptor carry potential anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti‐epileptic, cognition‐enhancing, and neuroprotective effects. ⁴⁰ , ⁴¹ , ⁴² , ⁴³ Currently, several 5‐HT_1A agonists are used in the clinic for the treatment of anxiety and depression, such as tandospirone and buspirone. ⁴⁴ Moreover, several researchers suggest the involvement in addiction, alcoholism, behavior, impulsivity, and in the different phases of sleep. ³⁶ , ⁴⁵

Regarding epilepsy, some evidence shows that inhibition of the 5‐HT_1A receptor is anticonvulsive in animal models of the absence epilepsy. For example, several 5‐HT_1A antagonists reduced spike‐wave discharges in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats and in Groggy (GRY) rats, two validated genetic strains of the absence epilepsy. ³¹

In contrast, pharmacological 5‐HT_1A stimulation could be involved in the anti‐epileptic mechanism of several known and novel compounds, such as 8‐OH‐DPAT, ⁴⁶ pyrrolidin‐2‐one derivatives, ⁴⁷ cannabidiol (CBD), ⁴⁸ , ⁴⁹ and curcumin. ⁵⁰ Also, endogenous substances, such as hormones, can interact with 5‐HT_1A receptors as suggested by the cross‐talk between estrogenic and serotonergic (5‐HT_1A and 5‐HT₃) pathways. ⁵¹ Finally, it could increase the seizure threshold in other seizure types as reviewed by Gharedaghi and colleagues. ¹⁸ In addition, 5‐HT_1A activation can be involved in non‐pharmacological therapies, such as the preclinically used low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) and nervus vagus stimulation (VNS) in the clinical setting. LFS showed inhibitory activity against seizures in amygdala‐kindled rats and was counteracted by a selective 5‐HT_1A antagonist. ⁵² VNS can enhance tonic forebrain activation of postsynaptically located 5‐HT_1A receptors, ⁵³ although its role in epilepsy has not been clarified. 5‐HT_1A receptors can play a role in status epilepticus,, ⁵⁴ in epileptogenesis, ⁵⁵ and in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) having decreased 5‐HT_1A receptor availability. ³¹ , ⁵⁶ 5‐HT_1A gene polymorphisms can also contribute to the psychiatric comorbidities in TLE patients, indicating a potential role of this receptor subtype in TLE. ⁵⁷

Thus, current data suggest a beneficial role of 5‐HT_1A stimulation in most preclinical epilepsy models (except the absence epilepsy) and patients with TLE. Moreover, anxiety‐reducing effects have been reported in a patient with Angelman syndrome (AS) by buspirone. ⁴²

3.1.2. 5‐HT_1B and 5‐HT_1D receptors

Most of the 5‐HT_1B receptors are located postsynaptically, although some of them are presynaptically where they are involved in the 5‐HT release. Similarities to 5‐HT_1D receptors for both location and structure have impeded examining the functional role of 5‐HT_1B receptors and showing overlap with 5‐HT_1D receptors. Recent studies with newer 5‐HT_1B ligands, showing high selectivity to 5‐HT_1B receptors compared to 5‐HT_1D receptors, suggest a role in behavior, locomotor activity, and sleep regulation. ⁵⁸ Consistently, 5‐HT_1B receptor KO mice show aggressive behavior and locomotor impairments. Of interest, these KO mice did not show an epileptic phenotype and several 5‐HT_1B ligands did not affect seizure activity in animal models. Overall, no straightforward data demonstrate an anticonvulsant role of 5‐HT_1B agonists in epilepsy. ³⁶

5‐HT_1D receptors show a wide distribution throughout the CNS and preclinical research suggests a role in anxiety, depression, and brain disorders (like migraine and Huntington's disease). ³⁶ , ⁵⁹ Whereas 5‐HT_1D agonists are potentially antidepressants more research is needed to determine whether agonists or antagonists could be efficacious in other brain disorders. ³⁶

Only a few studies are in favor of 5‐HT_1B/1D agonism for potential epilepsy treatment. Several studies using the drug‐resistant DS zebrafish model showed that 5‐HT_1D agonists significantly reduced seizures. ¹³ , ⁶⁰ , ⁶¹ Interestingly, triptans that are already on the market for the treatment of migraine, showed locomotor reducing activity in two zebrafish models of chemically induced seizures ⁶² and a chemically induced seizure mouse model (pentylenetetrazol, PTZ). ⁶¹ Last but not least, one of the 5‐HT_1D agonists used in the zebrafish model and another triptan (zolmitriptan) were also effective in a mice model of DS and even significantly improved survival of these mice. ⁶³ The aforementioned data underline the possibility of ameliorating drug‐resistant seizures and increasing survival in DS by 5‐HT_1D agonism. Overall, further research is needed to investigate the potential role of 5‐HT_1B/1D agonism in the treatment of epilepsy and potential some of its comorbidities such as migraine.

3.1.3. 5‐HT_1E and 5‐HT_1F receptors

As members of the 5‐HT₁ family, these receptors are negatively coupled to AC, although the coupling to AC can be achieved by distinct pathways for the 5‐HT_1E receptor, determined by the density and cellular environment of the receptors. Structurally, the 5‐HT_1F receptor is most closely related to the 5‐HT_1E receptor with nearly 60% amino acid homology. In addition, there are several similar pharmacological characteristics. ³⁶ , ⁶⁴ Thus, one could expect comparable physiological effects and clinical significance for these two receptor subtypes. Consistently, 5‐HT_1E and 5‐HT_1F agonists have been suggested in the treatment of memory impairments, ⁶⁵ , ⁶⁶ though only 5‐HT_1F agonists are under clinical evaluation for treating migraine. ⁶⁷ , ⁶⁸ , ⁶⁹

5‐HT_1E receptors are highly present in the olfactory bulb glomeruli (Table S2), the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG), and the adventitial layer of cerebral arteries. These receptors have a more dominant expression in neurons, compared to glia cells. Agonists of 5‐HT_1E receptors inhibit AC activity in the DG, thereby modulating hippocampal activity, which makes these agonists a potential drug for the treatment of TLE since hyperactivity in the hippocampus has been linked to TLE. ⁶⁶

5‐HT_1F receptors show a similar expression profile as 5‐HT_1E receptors. Stimulation of this receptor subtype is assumed to inhibit impulses of the trigeminal nerves, hyperpolarizing nerve terminals. Therefore, 5‐HT_1E agonists, the “Ditans,” are currently being investigated for migraine treatment. ⁶⁸ , ⁶⁹ Nonetheless, we cannot confirm that this receptor subtype would modulate seizures based on the current knowledge.

3.1.4. 5‐HT₂ receptors

A lot has changed since the initial identification of 5‐HT₂ receptors. The primarily CNS‐located 5‐HT₂ receptors were later renamed to 5‐HT_2A receptors, together with the discovery of the 5‐HT_2B receptors that are predominantly distributed in the peripheral system. In addition, the 5‐HT_1C receptors were called 5‐HT_2C receptors due to similarities in structure and secondary pathways, for example, PLC activation. ³⁶ In the past decades, numerous selective agents have been developed that are able to discriminate between these three subpopulations, resultantly making it possible to examine their distinct clinical significance. ⁷⁰ In vitro data show that augmented serotonin increases cortical excitation through activation of 5‐HT₂ and 5‐HT₃ receptors, ⁷¹ suggesting that antagonism of these receptors would induce anti‐epileptic effects. Clinical data underline the potential of 5‐HT₂ and 5‐HT₃ antagonism, by mirtazapine, in the treatment of sleep disturbances in patients with AS. ⁷² As delineated below, subtypes of the 5‐HT₂ receptors (5‐HT_2A, ‐_2B, and ‐_2C) can play a crucial role in current and future epilepsy treatment.

In essence, compelling preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that 5‐HT_2A/2C stimulation leads to antiseizure activity and could ameliorate epilepsy‐related comorbidities, for example, depression and SUDEP. In clear contrast, only one zebrafish research group suggested the anticonvulsive role of 5‐HT_2B stimulation. ⁷³ In addition, the prominent expression of this receptor subtype in the heart ⁷⁴ and related cardiotoxic effects ⁷⁵ , ⁷⁶ , ⁷⁷ , ⁷⁸ underscore that the 5‐HT_2B subtype is not an interesting target for epilepsy treatment. ²¹ , ⁷⁹

3.1.5. 5‐HT_2A receptors and 5‐HT_2C receptors

These receptors are present in the brain and the highest densities are found in the neocortex. As described for the 5‐HT_1E receptor, two pathways can be activated depending on the location and cellular environment of the 5‐HT_2A receptor. ³⁶ These distinct pathways can explain the hallucinogenic properties of some 5‐HT_2A agonists (mainly activating arachidonic acid pathways, eg, LSD) and the absence of hallucinations by other 5‐HT_2A agonists (mainly affecting phosphoinositide signaling, eg, lisuride). ⁸⁰ , ⁸¹ Structurally, the 5‐HT_2A receptor is very closely related to the 5‐HT_2C receptor with almost 80% homology in the transmembrane (TM) portions, possibly explaining some binding overlap of ligands for both receptor subtypes. As a consequence, many clinical effects can involve both 5‐HT_2A and 5‐HT_2C receptors; such as appetite control, thermoregulation, locomotor activity, and sleep. In addition, several researchers suggested these receptors to be promising targets for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and definitely antiepileptic drugs. ³³ , ³⁶ , ⁷⁸ , ⁸² , ⁸³ , ⁸⁴ A review by Guiard and Di Giovanni thoroughly describes the controversial role of 5‐HT_2A receptors in epilepsy wherein proconvulsant properties are likely to be attributed to the use of high doses of 5‐HT_2A ligands and/or off‐target effects by modulating other receptors. Of interest, FA is not only increasing 5‐HT in the synaptic cleft (indirect) but also directly targeting 5‐HT_2A (and 5‐HT_2C) receptors. ⁷⁶

Regarding the absence epilepsy, stimulation of the 5‐HT_2A and/or 5‐HT_2C receptor could be beneficial since it inhibits the rhythmic thalamic burst firings which are likely to be the electrical burst origin of the absence epilepsy. Consistently, several 5‐HT_2A agonists show promise in treating atypical the absence seizures and 5‐HT_2A antagonists increase the severity of seizures ²¹ , ⁸⁵ and diminished the anti‐epileptic effect of FA in several preclinical models. ¹⁵ , ¹⁶

Furthermore, the 5‐HT_2A receptor regulates mood ³³ and modulates CO₂‐induced arousal and stimulation of this receptor subtype can rescue animals from SUDEP. ²⁹ , ⁸⁶ , ⁸⁷ These findings underline that 5‐HT_2A agonists can decrease epilepsy and ameliorate its comorbidities such as depression and SUDEP.

The 5‐HT_2C receptor is likely to be involved in the epileptiform activity as well since 5‐HT_2C KO mice display an epileptic phenotype and 5‐HT_2C antagonists worsen the seizure phenotype ⁸⁸ , ⁸⁹ and can counteract the anti‐epileptiform activity of FA. ¹³ Additionally, 5‐HT_2C agonists are anticonvulsive in models of atypical absences, ²¹ acute seizure models, ⁸³ , ⁸⁴ drug‐resistant seizures in the zebrafish model of DS, ¹³ , ²⁸ and have been used in human studies to treat drug‐resistant epilepsy. ⁹⁰ , ⁹¹ Nonetheless, there are few studies that demonstrate no antiseizure effects by 5‐HT_2A and/or 5‐HT_2C agonism. ¹⁸ Moreover, overstimulation of these receptors can be proconvulsive ⁹² and 5‐HT_2A antagonism showed antiseizure effects in one rodent epilepsy model. ⁹³ In addition, 5‐HT_2A antagonism had a positive effect on short‐term memory, which possibly expands the role of modulating this receptor subtype in other diseases, beyond epilepsy. ¹⁸

3.1.6. 5‐HT_2B receptors

Even as 5‐HT_2B receptors exhibit almost 70% homology to the other two 5‐HT₂ receptor subtypes, their expression profile is nearly absent in the brain and appears to be mainly involved in vasoconstrictive effects in the vascular and cardiac system. ⁷⁴ , ⁷⁵ , ⁷⁷ Hence, it is not surprising that only scanty data are available regarding the role of 5‐HT_2B receptors in neurological disorders.

Recent rodent data indicate that 5‐HT_2B antagonists hold promise for treating schizophrenia and drug addiction, due to the interaction of 5‐HT_2B and dopamine. ⁹⁴ Additionally, three studies suggest the role of 5‐HT_2B in epilepsy treatment. First, in a PTZ‐kindling rat model of chronic epilepsy increased immunoreactivity of the 5‐HT_2B receptor was found in the cortex and medulla, while it was decreased in the hippocampus. However, further behavioral/functional studies are necessary to elucidate the meaning of this immunoreactivity alteration. ⁹⁵ Second, the novel ASM, CBD, reduced seizures in pilocarpine‐induced SE in rats that was attributed to both CB₁ and 5‐HT_2B receptors, ⁹⁶ although 5‐HT_2B receptors are probably not involved in CBD's mechanism of action as shown by Dos Santos et al ⁴⁸ and Pelz et al ⁹⁷ Third, Baraban et al showed that 5‐HT_2B agonists can reduce seizures in the zebrafish DS model. Nonetheless, numerous other researchers did not observe any seizure reduction by 5‐HT_2B modulation in different animal models of epilepsy. ¹⁸ , ²⁹ , ⁶³ , ⁸⁴ , ⁸⁹ , ⁹⁰ , ⁹⁸ , ⁹⁹ , ¹⁰⁰ , ¹⁰¹ , ¹⁰² , ¹⁰³ , ¹⁰⁴ , ¹⁰⁵ , ¹⁰⁶ For example, Sourbron et al did not demonstrate any beneficial effect of several 5‐HT_2B agonists in the aforementioned zebrafish DS model ¹³ , ²⁸ and 5‐HT_2B antagonism was not able to counteract the anti‐epileptiform activities of the serotonergic drug, FA, in this DS model. ¹³ Therefore, FA is unlikely to be anti‐epileptic through 5‐HT_2B agonism. Nevertheless, the N‐dealkylated metabolite of FA, norfenfluramine (NORFA), displays higher affinity and activity at the 5‐HT_2B and 5‐HT_2C receptors. This activation of 5‐HT_2B receptors is associated with cardiac valve hypertrophy, and the drug‐induced valvulopathy has resulted in the withdrawal of FA from the market in the 1990s. ¹⁰⁷ Even though drug‐induced valvulopathy could lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH), clinical trials with lower dose FA monitor cardiac side effects and until now its safety has been guaranteed. ¹⁰⁸ In contrast, 5‐HT_2B antagonists are a potential novel therapeutic target for treating PH, for example, terguride, a potent 5‐HT_2B antagonist, is being investigated as a PH treatment. ¹⁰⁹

3.1.7. 5‐HT₃ receptors

5‐HT₃ receptors are expressed in the peripheral nervous system but also in the CNS. From a clinical perspective, 5‐HT₃ antagonists have shown efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting, if induced by chemotherapy or radiation but not if it is triggered by motion sickness or apomorphine. ³⁶ Moreover, clinical data demonstrate its use in migraine treatment and preclinical studies showed a potential of 5‐HT₃ ligands in anxiety, cognition, depression, dementia, memory enhancement, and psychosis. The effect on seizures is in ongoing debate and some authors suggest that this receptor is not involved. Most preclinical data are in favor of 5‐HT₃ stimulation to suppress seizures ¹⁸ , ¹¹⁰ ; for example, 5‐HT₃ antagonists increase the frequency of hippocampal theta bursts, which is related to generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and eliminated the anticonvulsive properties of 5‐HT₃ agonists. ¹¹¹ , ¹¹² In addition, 5‐HT₃ agonism blocked seizure‐induced respiratory arrest in a mouse model of SUDEP ¹⁰⁰ and alleviated acute seizure activity ¹⁰³ and in PTZ‐kindling in mice. ¹¹³ Even as the 5‐HT₃ receptor is an excitatory receptor it is mainly located on inhibitory interneurons (in cortex and hippocampus) leading to hyperpolarisation and thus less excitation in the brain, comparable to the 5‐HT_2A/2C receptors. ²¹ Nevertheless, it can cause NO production by activation of neuronal nitrite oxide synthase, which is potentially proconvulsive in several seizure models. ¹¹⁴ This could explain that the 5‐HT₃ antagonism decreases seizures in PTZ‐kindled mice ¹⁰² and that ondansetron, a 5‐HT₃ antagonist is anticonvulsant in the MES test. ¹⁸ , ²² Lamotrigine, an ASM already available on the market, acts on sodium and calcium channels but also inhibits 5‐HT₃‐activated currents. ¹¹⁵ Until now, it is unknown if this latter pathway is involved in its anti‐epileptic activity.

Altogether, most data attribute an anticonvulsive role to 5‐HT₃ stimulation, especially in models for generalized seizures, for example, acute PTZ and PTZ kindling murine models. ³¹ , ¹⁰³ Recent data even show that the anticonvulsant effect of various SSRIs involves 5‐HT₃ stimulation. ¹¹³ In conclusion, 5‐HT₃ agonists could be interesting in ASM development although side effects can be anticipated due to stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone that can cause bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting. ³¹

3.1.8. 5‐HT₄ receptors

5‐HT₄ receptors have an extended tissue distribution and play a role in the slow excitatory responses to 5‐HT in neurons. Structurally, there is some overlap between 5‐HT₄ and 5‐HT₃ ligands. Currently, research is focused on both central and peripheral effects of 5‐HT₄ ligands in diseases, such as addiction, anxiety, cognition, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux. ³⁶ , ¹¹⁶ , ¹¹⁷ Available data are very limited in the epilepsy field, although the majority is in favor of 5‐HT₄ antagonists as potential anticonvulsant treatment. These compounds nullified epileptiform spikes, induced by 5‐HT₄ agonists, and reduced forelimb clonus in amygdala‐kindled rats. ¹⁸ In contrast, 5‐HT₄ stimulation increases GABA inhibitory currents in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of guinea pigs, ¹¹⁸ 5‐HT₄ KO mice experience more aggravated PTZ‐induced seizures, compared to WT mice, ¹¹⁹ and recent data show that FA prevented SUDEP and reduced seizures by 5‐HT₄ receptor stimulation, although 5‐HT₂ and 5‐HT₇ receptors could be involved as well. ¹⁶ In conclusion, data are contradictory and future preclinical studies should elaborate on the exact role of 5‐HT₄ receptors in different seizure models.

3.1.9. 5‐HT₅ receptors

5‐HT₅ receptors are structurally unrelated to other 5‐HT receptor subtypes, however, they share some pharmacological properties with 5‐HT_1D receptors. Not much is known about the clinical significance but based on their localization (cortex, astrocytes); suggestions have been made regarding anxiety, brain development, cognition, depression, feeding, and locomotor activity. ¹²⁰ It is currently not known if these receptors are involved in epileptogenesis and/or epilepsy. ¹⁸ , ³¹

3.1.10. 5‐HT₆ receptors

The clinical significance of the 5‐HT₆ receptors subtype is currently unknown but it appears to be involved in several neuropsychiatric processes (depression, psychosis, and obsessive‐compulsive behavior) and recent evidence underlined a procognitive role of both 5‐HT₆ agonists and antagonists. ¹²¹ Even though data regarding the role of this receptor subtype in epilepsy are very limited, the beneficial effects of highly selective 5‐HT₆ antagonists are relatively more robust in animal models of seizures ¹²² , ¹²³ , ¹²⁴ and mossy fiber sprouting, ¹²⁵ in contrast to 5‐HT₆ agonists. Spontaneous seizures in the post‐SE pilocarpine rat model were reduced after treatment with a highly selective 5‐HT₆ antagonist. In addition, 5‐HT₆ receptor expression was upregulated in the hippocampus and neocortex of these post‐SE rats. ³¹ , ¹⁰⁵ , ¹²⁶ In line with these findings, clinical data of patients with drug‐resistant TLE show an upregulation of this receptor as well. ¹⁰⁵ Thus, current data favor a proconvulsive role of the 5‐HT₆ receptor.

3.1.11. 5‐HT₇ receptors

Due to the wide distribution of 5‐HT₇ receptors in the CNS, it is not surprising that it can be involved in several neurological processes and pathophysiology. Structurally, there is less than 50% TM sequence homology between this and the other 5‐HT receptor subtypes. This receptor affects cognitive processes, mood, circadian rhythm, and the relaxation of coronary arteries. Consequently, 5‐HT₇ ligands could be effective in treating memory impairments, behavioral dysfunction, sleep disorders of circadian nature, and coronary heart disease. ¹²⁷ , ¹²⁸ Regarding epilepsy, most researchers are in favor of a proconvulsive role of the 5‐HT₇ receptor. For example, numerous 5‐HT₇ antagonists were proven to be anticonvulsant in different animal models of seizures like the pilocarpine rat model of TLE, WAG/Rij rats, and the DBA/2 J mice model of the absence epilepsy. ¹⁸ , ¹²⁹ This latter finding could be attributed to the fact that the thalamus, considered to be the origin of electrical discharges in the absence epilepsy is enriched with 5‐HT₇ binding sites. However, 5‐HT₇ agonism decreased seizures in mice picrotoxin‐induced seizure ¹³⁰ and partially rescued the brain anomalies and epileptic phenotype in Cdkl5 KO mice. ¹³¹ In addition, 5‐HT₇ KO mice have decreased seizure thresholds for electrical and chemical‐induced seizures. ¹³²

Overall, several experimental data are in favor of a proconvulsive role of the 5‐HT₇ receptor, in line with patient data with drug‐resistant TLE that have an upregulated expression of 5‐HT₇ receptors in the neocortex, ¹⁰⁶ although the exact role is not uniform. ¹³³

3.2. 5‐HT system and epilepsy, comorbidities and mortality

Involvement of the 5‐HT system in epilepsy, comorbidities, and mortality has been suggested by several researchers ²⁰ , ²¹ , ²² , ²³ , ²⁶ , ²⁷ , ³⁰ , ³⁸ , ¹³⁴ (Figure 1) and until now FA is potentially the only ASM modulating the 5‐HT system (Figure 2). The importance of shared risk factors and especially genetics appear to be key players. ¹³⁴ Some even hypothesize that the cause could directly be related to 5‐HT system impairments. For instance, a patient with a de novo mutation in the sodium voltage‐gated channel alpha subunit (SCN2A) had drug‐resistant epilepsy that responded to treatment with the 5‐HT precursor, 5‐ hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP). ¹³⁵ In addition, decreased hippocampal 5‐HT levels were observed in patients with TLE. ¹³⁶ Preclinical evidence is even more prominent showing, for example, that 5‐HTP was anticonvulsant in drosophila with an SCN1A mutation. ¹³⁷ In addition, a zebrafish model of DS (scn1a mutation) demonstrated a lower 5‐HT brain content that could be related to the scn1a mutation. ⁶⁰

FIGURE 1.

Fourteen serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtypes. Stimulation (+) of several receptor subtypes (5‐HT_{1A,1D,2A,2C,3}) and inhibition (−) of the 5‐HT₆ subtype have been implicated in antiseizure activity (row literature). For the 5‐HT_2B,4,7 subtypes data are contradictory, depicted in white. 5‐HT_1D,2A,2C subtypes are likely involved in the mechanism of fenfluramine (zebrafish (ZF) data). 5‐HT_2A,2C,4,7 subtypes are likely involved in the mechanism of fenfluramine (mice data). See text for the references of these preclinical studies

FIGURE 2.

Serotonergic mechanisms of action of fenfluramine: (1) increase of GABAergic dendritic arborization via 5‐HT and GABAergic activity ¹⁶⁸ ; (2) decrease of serotonin reuptake by inhibition of SERT ¹⁶⁹ ; (3) increase of fusion and release of synaptic vesicles ¹⁷⁰ ; (4) the two previous modulatory lead to an increase of 5‐HT in the synaptic cleft and thereby stimulation of 5‐HT receptor subtypes; and (5) fenfluramine directly stimulates at least five serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtypes (5‐HT_1D,2A,2C,4,7) (zebrafish and mice data), ¹³ , ¹⁷¹ thereby increasing gamma‐aminobutyric acid inhibitory input and decreasing glutaminergic excitatory output. Regarding the sigma receptor modulation, we refer to Martin et al 2020. ¹² 5‐HT = serotonin; GABA = gamma aminobutyric acid; GLUT = glutamine; SERT = serotonin transporter

For numerous epilepsy‐associated problems, the 5‐HT system seems to be involved and reduced 5‐HT transmission seems to negatively impact several epilepsy comorbidities, such as motor functions, ¹³⁸ behavior, ¹³⁹ depression, migraine, and cognitive impairments. ¹⁴⁰ Regarding depression, a plethora of evidence underlines the antidepressant activity of 5‐HT and effective depression therapy with SSRIs. ³⁸ Interestingly, a relation between epilepsy and depression was linked to 5‐HT_1A ¹⁴¹ , ¹⁴² and 5‐HT_2A ³³ receptors.

With regards to migraine, experimental and patient evidence exists regarding the efficacy of agonists for the 5‐HT_1B, 5‐HT_1D, and 5‐HT_1F receptors. More recent yet limited data demonstrate anti‐migraine activities for 5‐HT_2B and 5‐HT₇ antagonists in animal models of migraine. ¹⁴³ The link between 5‐HT and cognition has been extensively studied and 5‐HT_1A, 5‐HT_1B, 5‐HT_2A, 5‐HT_2C, 5‐HT₃, 5‐HT₄, 5‐HT₆, and 5‐HT₇ ligands show preclinical and clinical efficacy in treating cognitive defects. Nevertheless, these data are limited and focus on the older population and patients with AD and schizophrenia. Moreover, controversial findings impede making a general conclusion toward the potential of certain 5‐HT agonists or antagonists in treating cognitive defects. ¹⁴⁴

SUDEP applies to death in PWE that is not related to known causes like injury and drowning. Studies imply that the overall risk for SUDEP is greater than 0.1% in the general epilepsy population although estimates vary significantly. ¹⁴⁵ Moreover, SUDEP is one of the most severe consequences for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy and SUDEP appears to be the major cause of death in patients with drug‐resistant DS. ¹⁴⁶ , ¹⁴⁷ Currently, the exact mechanisms SUDEP are unknown and the majority of research points out that SUDEP can be the result of respiratory dysfunction that is immediately followed by a seizure. ¹⁴⁸ , ¹⁴⁹ Several experimental studies suggest the importance of 5‐HT in SUDEP. For example, 5‐HT_2C KO mice have spontaneous seizures and earlier mortality due to respiratory arrest, compared to WT mice. ⁸⁹ In addition Lmx1b KO, mice lacking the development of serotonergic neurons, have a relatively higher seizure threshold and higher chance to die from respiratory failure that was prevented by stimulating 5‐HT_2A receptors. ²⁹ Moreover, human studies have shown that many PWE can have hypoxia after a seizure, ¹⁵⁰ which can be reduced by taking SSRIs, increasing 5‐HT in the synaptic cleft. ¹⁵¹ The overall importance of 5‐HT in SUDEP can be related to the 5‐HT‐dependent regulation of breathing and sleep arousal to keep normal blood CO₂ and pH values. ¹⁵² Recently, Cross and colleagues showed that the all‐cause and SUDEP mortality rates during FA treatment of patients with DS significantly decreased (1.7/1000 person‐years), compared to literature reports (9.3‐15.8/1000 person‐years). ¹⁵³

3.3. 5‐HT system and cardiovascular side effects

Serotonergic drugs that directly or indirectly lead to 5‐HT_2B receptor activation are indeed associated with cardiac valve hypertrophy. Stimulation of 5‐HT_2B receptors, which are GPCR (Table S2), leads to activation of PLC that subsequently activates protein kinase C (PKC). PKC mobilizes intracellular calcium and DAG. Via other, yet to be explored, pathways this GPCR can also induce Src phosphorylation and activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2). Moreover, phosphorylated Src modulates the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) receptor, enhancing the 5‐HT_2B‐stimulated mitogenesis that involves the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb‐P). Moreover, the PKC and ERK1/2 similarly modulate Rb‐P leading to excessive mitogenesis, thereby causing overgrowth valvulopathy and valvular dysfunction. Hence, drugs that stimulate the 5‐HT_2B receptor could induce cardiac valvulopathies. ⁷⁶ , ¹⁵⁴ , ¹⁵⁵

Fenfluramine was initially used as an anti‐obesity drug but was withdrawn from the market due to drug‐induced valvulopathy that was related to abuse, use of other amphetamine‐like drugs and/or high doses. ⁷⁵ Even though several preclinical data show that 5‐HT_2B stimulation is not mandatory for a seizure reduction by FA, FA can increase 5‐HT and thereby indirectly stimulate 5‐HT_2B receptors. Fortunately, much lower dosages are used in the clinic and clinical trials nowadays ¹⁵⁶ , ¹⁵⁷ and after more than 3 years of treatment with low‐dose FA, no cardiotoxic events have been observed. ¹⁵⁸ These data, together with the durability and magnitude of FA's reduction of drug‐resistant seizures, ¹⁵⁹ strongly suggest that significant benefits of FA could outweigh potential cardiac risks. Regarding other, possibly serotonergic side effects, clinical trials mainly report decreased appetite (potential role of 5‐HT_2C) and somnolence (5‐HT_?). ¹⁶⁰ , ¹⁶¹ , ¹⁶²

4. CONCLUSION

Antiseizure medication development has been focusing on neurotransmitters and ion channels involved in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. ¹⁶³ In the last decade, research implies that the complex variety of pathways involved in epilepsy, such as serotonergic (5‐HT) transmission, are neglected by this simplistic view. Nonetheless, the exact role of each serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtype remains elusive, in part due to contradictory findings. ¹⁸ , ³¹

Our review underlines that most evidence is in favor of 5‐HT_{1A,1D,2A,2C,3} agonism and 5‐HT₆ antagonism to treat epilepsy. Even though the role of the other receptor subtypes is unclear, one should be cautious to generalize these findings and discrepancies might arise due to a number of factors, for example, the difference in animal seizure models and the difference of compounds and their doses. ¹⁸ , ¹⁶⁴

Interestingly, serotonergic ASMs are currently under development for rare, severe epilepsy syndromes and one of them, FA, showed promising results by numerous clinical studies. ⁹ , ¹¹ , ¹⁰⁸ , ¹⁶⁵ , ¹⁶⁶ , ¹⁶⁷ Even as FA likely displays (part of its) anti‐epileptic activity via sigma1 (σ1) receptors, ¹² , ¹⁴ other zebrafish and mice studies have shown that FA‐induced 5‐HT_1D,2A,2C agonism plays a crucial role in its antiseizure activity ¹³ , ¹⁵ and even 5‐HT_4,7 agonism has been suggested by one study. ¹⁷ Serotonergic agonism of 5‐HT_2A,2C,4 receptors can also ameliorate epilepsy‐related mortality (SUDEP). ¹⁶ , ⁸⁷

In conclusion, the available research strongly suggests that serotonergic modulation, especially stimulation, should be a novel avenue for future ASMs to treat epilepsy and its comorbidities.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

LL received grants, and is a consultant and/or speaker for Zogenix; LivaNova, UCB, Shire, Eisai, Novartis, Takeda/Ovid, NEL, Epihunter. LL has a patent for ZX008 (fenfluramine) for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and infantile epilepsies assigned to his institution and licensed to Zogenix. The remaining author (JS) has no conflict of interest to disclose. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines.

Supporting information

Supplementary Material

Sourbron J, Lagae L. Serotonin receptors in epilepsy: Novel treatment targets? Epilepsia Open. 2022;7:231–246. 10.1002/epi4.12580