Monoamine transporters: from genes to behavior

RR Gainetdinov, MG Caron - Annual review of pharmacology …, 2003 - annualreviews.org
Annual review of pharmacology and toxicology, 2003annualreviews.org
Modulation of fast neurotransmission by monoamines is critically involved in numerous
physiological functions and pathological conditions. Plasma membrane monoamine
transporters provide one of the most efficient mechanisms controlling functional extracellular
monoamine concentrations. These transporters for dopamine (DAT), serotonin (SERT), and
norepinephrine (NET), which are expressed selectively on the corresponding neurons, are
established targets of many psychostimulants, antidepressants, and neurotoxins. Recently …
Modulation of fast neurotransmission by monoamines is critically involved in numerous physiological functions and pathological conditions. Plasma membrane monoamine transporters provide one of the most efficient mechanisms controlling functional extracellular monoamine concentrations. These transporters for dopamine (DAT), serotonin (SERT), and norepinephrine (NET), which are expressed selectively on the corresponding neurons, are established targets of many psychostimulants, antidepressants, and neurotoxins. Recently, genetic animal models with targeted disruption of these transporters have become available. These mice have provided opportunities to investigate the functional importance of transporters in homeostatic control of monoaminergic transmission and to evaluate, in an in vivo model system, their roles in physiology and pathology. The use of these mice as test subjects has been helpful in resolving several important issues on specificity and mechanisms of action of certain pharmacological agents. In the present review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the physiology and pharmacology of monoamine transporters gained in mice with targeted genetic deletion of DAT, SERT, and NET.
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