Combined Treatment with Citalopram and Buspirone: Effects on Serotonin 5-HT_2Aand 5-HT_2CReceptors in the Rat Brain

Abstract

We suggest that downregulation of brain 5-HT2A receptors and possibly of 5-HT2C receptor agonist sites is involved in the beneficial clinical effects of buspirone-SSRI augmentation treatment. Furthermore, a conversion of brain 5-HT2C receptors from high- to low-affinity state may provide an additional mechanism for the anti-anxiety effects of buspirone.