Differential effect of serotonin on cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells:: involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors

In order to provide additional insight into the in vivo significance of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in inflammation, we examined its effect on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-beta, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). 5-HT inhibited TNF-alpha production and increased IL-1beta production in PBMC. The level of IL-1beta-converting enzyme/caspase-1 remained unchanged, suggesting that the effect of 5-HT is not directly related to the IL-1beta maturation process. TNF-alpha mRNA and IL-1beta mRNA content did not change in the presence of 5-HT. 5-HT did not have any effect on the production of other cytokines studied. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT on TNF-alpha production was antagonized by ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2A antagonist, and mimicked by DOI, a selective 5-HT2A/2C agonist. These findings suggest that the inhibition of TNF-alpha production by 5-HT involves the participation of the 5-HT2A receptor subtypes in PBMC. Accordingly, we detected the presence of 5-HT2A receptors in PBMC by Western blot analysis. Our data support a role of 5-HT in inflammation through its effect on cytokine production in PBMC.