Fluorescent Neurotransmitter Analogs

The fluorescent analogs of neurotransmitters and other neuroactive compounds are important molecular tools. When combined with imaging and detection platforms, they can provide superb spatial and temporal resolution of biomolecular processes governing neurotransmitters. This chapter focuses on small-molecule neurotransmitters and their fluorescent analogs or replacements, and provides a brief review of the basic structure of neurotransmitters as well as the biomacromolecules that regulate their function. The design and synthesis of new generation fluorescent analogs of neurotransmitters has produced probes with improved optical properties such as longer wavelength absorption and emission. Fluorescent analogs have played a key role in exploring the structure and function of neurotransmitter transporters, receptors as well as the enzymes responsible for neurotransmitter metabolism. Fluorescent analogs of neurotransmitters also serve as substrates for a number of monoamine transporters (MATs) demonstrating the functional elasticity of these important biomacromolecules.