Impact of psycho stimulants on vesicular monoamine transporter function

The vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) facilitates the sequestration of catecholamines and serotonin into synaptic vesicles, and is therefore an essential regulator of monoaminergic neuronal function. VMAT-2 proteins may also play a role in neuroprotection, since these transporters have the capacity to sequester neurotoxins within vesicles. Recent studies have demonstrated that psychostimulants, particularly dopamine "releasers" and "reuptake inhibitors", differentially alter VMAT-2 function. As described in this review, these studies not only provide insight into the pharmacological actions of stimulants, but also mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.