Overexpression of the Serotonin 5-HT _2B Receptor in Heart Leads to Abnormal Mitochondrial Function and Cardiac Hypertrophy

Abstract

Our results constitute the first genetic evidence that overexpression of the 5-HT2B receptor in the heart leads to compensated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with proliferation of the mitochondria. This observation suggests a role for mitochondria in the hypertrophic signaling that is regulated by serotonin. These transgenic mice provide a new genetic model for hypertrophic heart disease.