The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a monoamine transporter protein. This protein is an integral membrane protein that transports the neurotransmitter serotonin from synaptic spaces into presynaptic neurons. This transport of serotonin by the SERT protein terminates the action of serotonin and recycles it in a sodium-dependent manner. This protein is a target of psychomotor stimulants, such as amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA, and is a member of the sodium:neurotransmitter symporter family. A repeat length polymorphism in the promoter of this gene has been shown to affect the rate of serotonin uptake and may play a role in sudden infant death syndrome, aggressive behavior in Alzheimer disease patients, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression-susceptibility in people experiencing emotional trauma. SERT reuptakes serotonin in the synaptic cleft and terminates its function. It allows neurons, platelets, and other cells to accumulate the chemical neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects emotions and drives.

Neurons communicate by using chemical messages like serotonin between cells. The transporter protein, by recycling serotonin, regulates its concentration in a gap, or synapse, and thus its effects on a receiving neuron’s receptor. Medical studies have shown that changes in serotonin transporter metabolism appear to be associated with many different phenomena, including alcoholism, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), romantic love, hypertension and generalized social phobia. SERT spans the plasma membrane 12 times. It belongs to NE, DA, SERT monoamine transporter family. Transporters are important sites for agents that treat psychiatric disorders. Drugs that reduce the binding of serotonin to transporters (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) are used to treat mental disorders. About half of patients with OCD are treated with SSRIs. Fluoxetine is an example of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Not suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications have not been tested.

Immunohistochemistry: 0.5-1ug/ml on paraformaldehyde fixed brain and adrenal tissue. Has not been tested on paraffin embedded tissue. Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Store product at 4°C if to be used immediately within two weeks. For long-term storage, aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable at -20°C for 12 months after receipt. Dilute required amount only prior to immediate use. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Caution: FITC conjugates are sensitive to light. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.

Note: Applications are based on unconjugated antibody.

Rat serotonin transporter, N-terminus/GST fusion protein (aa 1-85).

Supplied as a liquid in PBS, pH 7.2. No preservative added. Labeled with Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC).

Purified by Protein A affinity chromatography.

Recognizes rat Serotonin Transporter. Species Crossreactivity: mouse.