Serotonin Uptake and Release: Comparing (±)MDMA, Fluoxetine, and Dexfenfluramine
Understanding how compounds modulate neurotransmitter transport is critical in the development of psychiatric medications. This study investigates the functional effects of three compounds – (±)MDMA, fluoxetine, and dexfenfluramine— on the serotonin transporter (SERT), using [3H]5-HT uptake and release assay in isolated rat frontal cortical synaptosomes.
Functional Assays for Monoamine Transporter Pharmacology
Uptake and release assays are functional in vitro techniques used to investigate the ability of compounds to either inhibit reuptake or induce release of neurotransmitters via monoamine transporters.
The serotonin transporter (SERT) plays a major role in regulating serotonergic neurotransmission within the central nervous system (CNS) and is a key target in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, PTSD and depression.
The aim of this study was to assess how (±)MDMA, dexfenfluramine and fluoxetine affect the uptake and release of [3H]5-HT using rat frontal cortical synaptosomes – providing pharmacological insights into their mechanism of action.
Expertise in Neurotransmitter Pharmacology
At Sygnature Discovery, our in vitro biology and neuroscience teams specialize in transporter assays, functional screening and mechanistic profiling to support early-stage CNS drug discovery.
Speak to our neuroscience experts to discuss your monoamine transporter project.