Figure 5.

Ligand-conjugated QDots for SERT labeling in living cells. (A) Fluorescence images of SERT expressing HEK cells labeled with serotonin ligand functionalized QDots. Fluorescence labeling of SERT in the membrane is clearly visible (left) while cells pre-incubated with high affinity SERT inhibitor paroxetine prior to the labeling shows no sign of fluorescence (right), indicating the QDot labeling specificity. (B) Electrophysiological currents elicited by serotonin or serotonin ligand functionalized QDots. The current induced by serotonin is typical. In contrast, the current induced by serotonin ligand functionalized QDots is characteristic of currents induced by SERT antagonists. (Reprinted with permission from Ref 41. Copyright 2002 American Chemical Society)