Differential regulation of amphetamine-induced serotonergic and dopaminergic efflux by syntaxin 1A

Background The plasma membrane serotonin transporter (SERT) is a key regulator of synaptic serontonergic neurotransmission and is a major target of both antidepressents and psychostimulant drugs of abuse. The pre-synaptic soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin 1A has been reported to modulate the intrinsic activity of multiple monoamine neurotransmitter transporters both in vitro and ex vivo. However, in contrast to the dopamine transporter (DAT) little is know of its effect on SERT-dependent amphetamine-mediated efflux in neuronal cells. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the specific effects of syntaxin 1A on both SERT function and regulation by common drugs of abuse.