Lymphocytes transport serotonin
and dopamine: agony or ecstasy?
by
Gordon J, Barnes NM.
MRC Centre for Immune Regulation,
The Medical School, University of Birmingham,
Vincent Drive, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
Trends Immunol. 2003 Aug;24(8):438-43

ABSTRACT

Lymphocytes apparently carry active transport systems for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Meanwhile, pharmacological substrates for the transporters have been claimed to impinge on immune function: these include, commonly used antidepressants [such as fluoxetine (Prozac((R)))], appetite suppressants and the recreational drugs MDMA [3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy')] and cocaine. Data on these issues can be patchy. Given the widespread use - or, abuse - of these drugs, we propose that a concerted effort should be made towards a full description of biogenic amine transporters in the immune system and the potential impact of their substrates - both natural and artificial - on its functioning. Could such knowledge one day help to treat immune deficiency and/or dysregulation?

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