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Lymphocytes transport serotonin and dopamine: agony or ecstasy?

2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 24; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s1471-4906(03)00176-5

1471-4981

John Gordon, Nicholas M. Barnes,

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

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®)], 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?