5-hydroxytryptamine_1A receptors and behavioral responses

The special role of behavioral studies in attempting to understand the substrates for the psychotherapeutic actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine_1A (5-HT_1A)-selective agents, such as buspirone and other azapirones, is reviewed. The effects of buspirone and related drugs is discussed in three different types of behavioral studies: (1) unconditioned behaviors elicited by 5-HT agonists; (2) drug discrimination studies; and (3) conditioned behaviors that predict clinical drug effects. These studies have helped define important neuropharmacologic actions on 5-HT receptors that may contribute to therapeutic effects in anxiety and depression. Finally, critical problems for advancing our understanding of the association between 5-HT receptor subtypes and behavior are discussed.