A Review of Neuroreceptors for Clinical and Experimental Neuropharmacology in Central Nervous System Disorders

The neurobiology drug discovery landscape has transformed over the past decade or so by the discovery of allosteric modulators of receptor superfamilies. A wide range of physiological reactions can occur in response to a limited number of neurotransmitters. This review provides an update on physiological features of the receptors and the signaling pathways that are generated in response to neuroreceptor activation that allow the explanation of this vast array of neurotransmitter responses. Primarily based upon structure, receptors in the nervous system can be classified into four groups: Gprotein coupled receptors, ligand-gated receptors, enzyme-linked receptors, and nuclear receptors. With a particular emphasis on the central nervous system, i.e., brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, we identify the neuroreceptors, their endogenous agonists, antagonists, sites of expression within the nervous system, current neuropharmacological clinical use, and potential for new drug discovery. New molecular approaches and advances in our knowledge of neuronal communication in processes involved in development, functioning and disorders of the nervous system combined with opportunities to re-purpose existing drugs for new indications continue to highlight the exciting opportunities to improve human health.