Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism
J. Clin. Invest. David J. Posey, et al. 118:6 doi:10.1172/JCI32483 [Go to this article.]

Figure 2
Simplified schematic of a serotonin (5-HT) synapse showing synthesis of 5-HT, a postsynaptic 5-HT₂ receptor, and intracellular mechanisms. In contrast to conventional antipsychotics, most atypical antipsychotics block 5-HT₂ receptors. The 5-HT₂ receptor is coupled by a G protein (G_q) to phospholipase C (PLC). Phospholipase C hydrolyzes membrane-bound phosphatidyl inositol (PIP₂), generating 2 secondary messengers, inositol triphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG).