Presence and characterization of the serotonin transporter in human resting lymphocytes

Neuropsychopharmacology. 1998 Aug;19(2):154-9. doi: 10.1016/S0893-133X(97)00204-2.

Abstract

Although evidence exists of the presence of a serotonin (5-HT) reuptake system in lymphocytes, no information is available on the pharmacological characterization of this structure. Our study aimed to investigate this matter, therefore, by means of the binding of [3H]-paroxetine ([3H]PAR), a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is considered the ligand of choice for binding studies. Lymphocytes were obtained from a pool of 20 healthy subjects who volunteered for the study. The results showed the presence of a specific and saturable [3H]PAR binding to lymphocyte membranes, with a Hill number close to unity indicative of the presence of one site only. The most potent drugs inhibiting [3H]PAR binding were SSRIs (paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram) followed by clomipramine, imipramine, and 5-HT, whereas haloperidol, mazindol, and nomifensine had a negligible effect. These findings suggest that [3H]-PAR in human resting lymphocytes specifically labels the 5-HT transporter.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins*
  • Paroxetine / metabolism*
  • Reference Values
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Tritium

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Tritium
  • Paroxetine