Monoamine transporter

Introduction

There are several different monoamine transporters.

• The dopamine transporter, DAT.
• The norepinephrine transporter, NET.
• The serotonin transporter, SERT.

DAT, NET and SERT are related to each other and they all consist of a structure of 12 transmembrane helices.

Drug action

Many drugs, such as antidepressants and psychoactives effect the monoamine transporters.

Modern antidepressants typically work by enhancing serotonergic or noradrenergic neurotransmission by binding to the SERT or NET, and thereby inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and/or norepinephrine and raising active levels in the synapse. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and works as a SERT antagonist. Reboxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and works as a NET antagonist.

The euphoric and addictive properties of amphetamine, methamphetamine and cocaine are thought to come from their ability to inhibit DAT transporter activity.