The members of the G-protein-coupled receptor family are distinguished by their slow transmitting response to ligand binding. These seven transmembrane proteins include the adrenergic, serotonin and dopamine receptors. The effect of the signaling molecule can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the type of receptor to which it binds. b-adrenergic bound to adrenaline activates adenylyl cyclase, while a2-adrenergic receptor bound to adrenaline inhibits adenylyl cyclase. Like the a2-adrenergic receptor, serotonin receptor functions are also mediated by G proteins that inhibit the activity of adenylyl cyclase. The serotonin receptors have been classified into several categories, designated SR-17 (5HT17). Subtypes within the SR-1 group include SR-1A, -1B, -1D, -1E and -1F.
