Functionally distinct dopamine and octopamine transporters in the CNS of the cabbage looper moth.

A cDNA was cloned from the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni based on similarity to other cloned dopamine transporters (DATs). The total nucleotide sequence is 3.8 kb in length and contains an open reading frame for a protein of 612 amino acids.

A high-affinity octopamine transporter cloned from the central nervous system of cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni.

A cDNA encoding a high-affinity Na(+)/anion(-)-dependent octopamine transporter (OAT) was isolated via an RT-PCR-based approach from caterpillars of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni. The deduced amino acid sequence of the OAT cDNA predicts a 670 amino acid protein bearing strong homology to previously cloned monoamine transporters. The expression pattern of OAT mRNA in the central nervous system revealed by in situ hybridization closely resembles that of OA-ergic neurons identified by the presence of mRNA for tyramine beta-hydroxylase, a marker enzyme for OA-ergic neurons in invertebrates.