EBioMedicineJul 10, 2026

Reduced brain chemical transporter in movement areas of long COVID linked to mental health symptoms

Updated Jul 14, 2026

Abstract

Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) binding may be reduced in the striatum in individuals with long COVID.

Dopaminergic neurons are susceptible to damage from gliosis and express high levels of ACE2 receptors.
The integrity of dopaminergic neurons in long COVID has not been previously studied.
Reduced VMAT2 binding could indicate a decrease in the density of dopamine-releasing neurons.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms may be associated with the observed reduction in VMAT2 binding.

Simplified

Dopaminergic neurons are vulnerable to injury from gliosis and have high density of ACE2 receptors, but the integrity of dopaminergic neurons has not been investigated in long COVID. This study examined whether vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) binding, index of dopamine-releasing neuron density, is reduced in the striatum in long COVID and associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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Funding

Competing interests

Declaration of interests JHM has patents for a dietary supplement to prevent postpartum blues and postpartum depression and is received funding from CAMH and Exeltis for that research. He also owns stock in Moderna. In mid January 2026, JHM has applied for patenting for rasagiline and a dopamine precursor approach of tyramine use for an indication of long COVID. The patent is pending approval as of May 19, 2026. All other authors report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest. No other disclosures were reported.

PubMed

Reduced brain chemical transporter in movement areas of long COVID linked to mental health symptoms

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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