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The serotonin transporter is present and functional in peripheral arterial smooth muscle

Wei Ni1, Janice M Thompson, Carrie A Northcott

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1317, USA.

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|May 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is present and functional in peripheral arteries, impacting blood vessel contraction. Its expression and function are altered in deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • The role of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) in peripheral arteries is largely unknown.
  • Serotonin (5-HT) influences vascular tone, but its transport mechanisms in arterial smooth muscle require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the 5-HTT is present and functional in peripheral arterial smooth muscle.
  • To investigate the role of 5-HTT in regulating arterial smooth muscle function and its potential involvement in hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis to detect 5-HTT mRNA and protein.
  • Immunohistochemistry to localize 5-HTT expression.
  • High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure 5-HT levels.
  • Functional assays measuring 5-HT-induced arterial contraction and 5-HT uptake.

Main Results:

  • 5-HTT mRNA and a 74 kDa protein were detected in aorta and mesenteric arteries, localized to smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
  • Arteries exhibited time-dependent 5-HT uptake, independent of endothelium and nerves.
  • 5-HTT inhibition potentiated 5-HT-induced aortic contraction.
  • In deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension, 5-HTT function was altered, and transporter expression significantly increased in aortic tissue.

Conclusions:

  • The 5-HTT is present and functional in peripheral arterial smooth muscle.
  • Arterial 5-HTT plays a role in regulating peripheral 5-HT effects and is altered in DOCA-salt hypertension, suggesting a potential contribution to the disease pathology.

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