PURPOSE: The physiological effects of 5-HT7 receptors expressed in pancreatic beta cells have not yet been elucidated. We first aimed to investigate the effect of 5-HT7 receptor agonist (AS19) and antagonist (SB269970) application on insulin secretion in RIN-5F pancreatic beta cells. Subsequently, we aimed to investigate the effects of agonist and antagonist applications on cell damage induced by STZ. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell damage was caused by giving 5 mM STZ solution to the cells for 12 h. The protective effects of 5-HT7 receptor agonist and antagonist on this subsequent damage were investigated. IGF-1, TNF-α, TGF-B1, NF-KB, Bax, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, 5-HT7, 5HT7x2, 5HT7x3 mRNA expression levels were compared between groups. RESULTS: While agonist application stimulates insulin secretion, the effect of the antagonist varies.SB269970 reduced oxidative stress and downregulated TNF-a, TGF-B1 and NF-KB expression and also prevented apoptosis by decreasing Bax, caspase 3 and 9 levels against STZ-induced beta cell damage. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of 5-HT7 receptors on insulin secretion and their effects against STZ damage will be guiding for more detailed studies in the treatment of diabetes and related diseases in the future.