Vesicular monoamine transporter

The vesicular monoamine transporter is a transport protein located within the presynaptic cell. It comprises the two isoforms VMAT1 and VMAT2.

Impairment and Dysfunction
Cocaine users display a marked reduction in VMAT2 immunoreactivity. Suffers of cocaine-induced mood disorders displayed a significant loss of VMAT2 immunoreactivity, this might reflect damage to striatal dopamine fibers. These neuronal changes could play a role in causing disordered mood and motivational processes in more severely addicted users.

Binding Sites and Ligands
One binding site is that of DTBZ. Lobeline binds at this site. At a distinct site dextroamphetamine binds. Its activity at VMAT2 is a crucial part of its monoamine releasing action.