Lorcaserin acts on which receptor type to promote weight loss?

Lorcaserin acts on which receptor type to promote weight loss?

• A. Serotonin type 2 receptor
• B. Dopamine D2 receptor
• C. GABA-B receptor
• D. NMDA receptor

Answer: (A)

Lorcaserin promotes weight loss by selectively activating the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2C). This receptor is found in the hypothalamus on POMC neurons. When 5-HT2C is stimulated by lorcaserin, these POMC neurons increase signaling that ultimately raises satiety and reduces appetite. The downstream effect involves the melanocortin system, which reinforces fullness after meals. Choosing other receptors wouldn’t produce the same outcome. Dopamine D2 receptors are more tied to reward and motivation than to the feel‑full signal; GABA-B receptors mediate broad inhibitory signaling, and NMDA receptors are involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. None of these are the targeted mechanism by which lorcaserin lowers food intake.

Lorcaserin promotes weight loss by selectively activating the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2C). This receptor is found in the hypothalamus on POMC neurons. When 5-HT2C is stimulated by lorcaserin, these POMC neurons increase signaling that ultimately raises satiety and reduces appetite. The downstream effect involves the melanocortin system, which reinforces fullness after meals.

Choosing other receptors wouldn’t produce the same outcome. Dopamine D2 receptors are more tied to reward and motivation than to the feel‑full signal; GABA-B receptors mediate broad inhibitory signaling, and NMDA receptors are involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. None of these are the targeted mechanism by which lorcaserin lowers food intake.