Immunohistochemical and biomolecular identification of 5-HT₇ receptor in rat vestibular nuclei

The association between migraine and balance disorder morbidities has been a topic of interest for many years, and serotonin (5-HT) receptor is known to be closely related with migraine and also to be associated with vestibular symptoms. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of migrainous vertigo and its association with 5-HT has not been elucidated. Of the many 5-HT receptors, 5-HT₇ receptor has recently attracted attention in the context of migraine treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the localization and expression of 5-HT₇ receptor in the rat vestibular nuclei by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The present study might provide additional insight into the role of 5-HT₇ receptor in the pathogenesis of migraine-related vestibular symptoms.