5-HT2 receptor

5-HT2 receptors are a family of 5-HT receptors, with the following members:
 * 5-HT2A receptors
 * 5-HT2B receptors
 * 5-HT2C receptors

Multiple receptor subtypes of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitters with multiple physiologic functions have been recognized. The 5-HT-2 receptors mediate many of the central and peripheral physiologic functions of serotonin. Cardiovascular effects include contraction of blood vessels and shape changes in platelets; central nervous system effects include neuronal sensitization] to tactile stimuli and mediation of [[hallucinogenic effects of phenylisopropylamine hallucinogens.

5-HT2A receptors
This is the main excitatory receptor subtype among the GPCRs for serotonin (5-HT), although 5-HT2A may also have an inhibitory effect on certain areas such as the visual cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex. This receptor was given importance first as the target of psychedelic drugs like LSD. Later it came back to prominence because it was also found to be mediating, at least partly, the action of many antipsychotic drugs, especially the atypical ones.

5-HT2A also happens to be a necessary receptor for the spread of the human polyoma virus called JC virus.