Cross references: Serotonin References Serotonin transporter (Wiki) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_transporter
This is an integral membrane protein that transports the
neurotransmitter serotonin from synaptic spaces into presynaptic
neurons. This transport of serotonin by the SERT protein terminates the
action of serotonin and recycles it in a sodium-dependent manner." "The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a monoamine transporter protein. "The serotonin transporter removes serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the synaptic boutons. Thus, it terminates the effects of serotonin and simultaneously enables its reuse by the presynaptic neuron.[1]" "Medical studies have shown that changes in serotonin transporter metabolism appear to be associated with many different phenomena, including alcoholism, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), romantic love,[3] hypertension and generalized social phobia.[4]" Reduced aggression in mice lacking 5-HTT. (PubMed) - 1992 Only abstract available online for free. "As a key regulator of central serotonergic activity, dysfunction of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) represents a potential mechanism mediating pathological aggression." "Deletion of the 5-HTT gene produces a reduction in aggressive behavior and home cage activity. Desensitization of 5-HT(1A/1B) receptor function may contribute to reduced aggression in 5-HTT KO mice." |