The plasma membrane monoamine transporters and vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs) have a major role in regulation of the synaptic homeostasis and effects of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]). Both groups of transporters are members of the soluble carrier (SLC) superfamily. The plasma membrane transporters belong to the SLC6 family and use the electrochemical gradient of sodium (Na+) as their driving force; they include the transporters for DA (DAT), NE (NET), and 5-HT (SERT). These transporters are expressed in the dendrites and axons of their respective monoaminergic neurons and mediate the rapid uptake of synaptically released neurotransmitter from the extracellular space. By this mechanism, these transporters are major determinants of monoaminergic synaptic signaling.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Eduardo E. Benarroch (2013) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: