Recent advances in the electrophysiological characterization of 5-HT₃ receptors

5-HT₃ receptors are ligand-gated, cation-selective ion channels, mediating membrane depolarization and neuronal excitation. Established and potential therapeutic applications of selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, coupled with the localization of this receptor subtype within discrete areas of the CNS, have resulted in an intensification of research in this area. In this review, Jeremy Lambert and colleagues summarize recent developments in the electro-physiological characterization of 5-HT₃ receptors, and comment upon the unresolved issue of 5-HT₃ receptor heterogeneity.