How Do Toxicants Affect the Dopamine Transporter System?
Certain toxicants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and recreational drugs, can interact with the dopamine transporter system, leading to altered dopamine signaling. For example, prolonged exposure to neurotoxins like MPTP (a compound related to Parkinson's disease) can damage dopamine neurons and reduce transporter availability. This disruption can result in motor deficits and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases.
