5-HT4 Receptors in the Stomach

Introduction to 5-HT4 Receptors

• The American Gastroenterological Association acknowledges that 5-HT4 receptors are present in the human stomach, where they play a crucial role in regulating gastric motility and emptying, as evidenced by the clinical efficacy of selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists in accelerating gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis 1, 2
• The European Society of Gastrointestinal Motility recognizes that 5-HT4 receptor agonists directly stimulate peristalsis in the stomach through activation of these receptors, which work by releasing acetylcholine from the myenteric plexus 1, 2

Clinical Evidence for 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists

• The American College of Gastroenterology notes that velusetrag, a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist, accelerated gastric emptying in a large phase 2 randomized controlled trial in gastroparesis patients 1, 2
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases acknowledges that prucalopride, a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist, accelerated gastric emptying and improved symptoms in both diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis 1, 2
• The European Society of Gastrointestinal Motility recognizes that tegaserod, a partial 5-HT4 receptor agonist, enhances gastric emptying 3, 4