Effect of Atypical Antipsychotics on Fetal Growth: Is the Placenta Involved?
Figure 2
Trophoblast cells contain serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Trophoblast cells, which are of central importance to placental development and function, contain 5-HT2A and D1, D2, and D4 receptors. All of these are pharmacological targets of atypical antipsychotics (AA). While the role of the D4 receptor in mediating the effects of AA is not currently well understood, the D1 and D2 have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to increased trophoblast oxidative stress and altered fetal growth. This may be mediated in part through changes in the released levels of endocrine factors.
