Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions. It is also involved in the pathophysiology of migraine headaches.
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): 5-HT1B receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, which are a large group of cell surface receptors that transduce extracellular signals into intracellular responses.
Vasoconstriction: Activation of 5-HT1B receptors can lead to vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels, which is thought to be one of the mechanisms by which 5-HT1B agonists can alleviate migraine headache symptoms.