sequestering of neurotransmitter
Definition
Target type: biologicalprocess
The process of binding or confining a neurotransmitter such that it is separated from other components of a biological system. [GOC:ai]
Neurotransmitter sequestration is a crucial process for regulating neuronal signaling and maintaining proper brain function. It involves the removal of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, the space between neurons where chemical communication occurs.
**Steps involved in neurotransmitter sequestration:**
1. **Reuptake:** This is the primary mechanism for most neurotransmitters, especially monoamines like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Specific transporter proteins embedded in the presynaptic membrane actively pump neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron. This process is driven by a concentration gradient and requires energy.
2. **Enzymatic Degradation:** Some neurotransmitters, like acetylcholine, are broken down by enzymes in the synaptic cleft. For example, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine into choline and acetate, effectively terminating its signaling.
3. **Diffusion:** While not the primary mechanism, some neurotransmitters can diffuse away from the synapse into the surrounding extracellular fluid, where they may be taken up by neighboring glial cells or degraded.
**Importance of Neurotransmitter Sequestration:**
- **Termination of Signal:** By removing neurotransmitters from the synapse, sequestration ensures that the signal is brief and controlled, preventing continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron.
- **Recycling of Neurotransmitters:** Reuptake allows for the recycling of neurotransmitters, saving energy and resources for the neuron.
- **Regulation of Neurotransmission:** Sequestration plays a crucial role in regulating the strength and duration of synaptic transmission.
**Dysregulation of Neurotransmitter Sequestration:**
- **Disorders of Neurotransmitter Sequestration:** Impairment in the process of neurotransmitter sequestration can contribute to various neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, decreased reuptake of dopamine is implicated in conditions like ADHD and Parkinson's disease.
- **Drug Effects:** Many psychoactive drugs act by altering neurotransmitter sequestration. Antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) block the reuptake of serotonin, enhancing its effects in the synapse.
**In summary, neurotransmitter sequestration is a fundamental process for ensuring efficient and regulated neuronal communication. This process is essential for maintaining proper brain function and is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.**'
"
Proteins (1)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Synaptic vesicular amine transporter | A synaptic vesicular amine transporter that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q05940] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (9)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| ketanserin | ketanserin : A member of the class of quinazolines that is quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione which is substituted at position 3 by a 2-[4-(p-fluorobenzoyl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl group. Ketanserin: A selective serotonin receptor antagonist with weak adrenergic receptor blocking properties. The drug is effective in lowering blood pressure in essential hypertension. It also inhibits platelet aggregation. It is well tolerated and is particularly effective in older patients. | aromatic ketone; organofluorine compound; piperidines; quinazolines | alpha-adrenergic antagonist; antihypertensive agent; cardiovascular drug; EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor; serotonergic antagonist |
| reserpine | reserpine : An alkaloid found in the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria. Reserpine: An alkaloid found in the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria. Reserpine inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into storage vesicles resulting in depletion of catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral axon terminals. It has been used as an antihypertensive and an antipsychotic as well as a research tool, but its adverse effects limit its clinical use. | alkaloid ester; methyl ester; yohimban alkaloid | adrenergic uptake inhibitor; antihypertensive agent; EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor; environmental contaminant; first generation antipsychotic; plant metabolite; xenobiotic |
| tetrabenazine | 9,10-dimethoxy-3-isobutyl-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-2-one : A benzoquinolizine that is 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10,10a-octahydrophenanthrene in which the carbon at position 10a is replaced by a nitrogen and which is substituted by an isobutyl group at position 2, an oxo group at position 3, and methoxy groups at positions 6 and 7. | benzoquinolizine; cyclic ketone; tertiary amino compound | |
| 2h-benzo(a)quinolizin-2-ol, 2-ethyl-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy- | 2H-Benzo(a)quinolizin-2-ol, 2-Ethyl-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy-: Proposed catecholamine depletor. | ||
| lobeline | (-)-lobeline : An optically active piperidine alkaloid having a 2-oxo-2-phenylethyl substituent at the 2-position and a 2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl group at the 6-position. | aromatic ketone; piperidine alkaloid; tertiary amine | nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist |
| dihydrotetrabenazine | dihydrotetrabenazine: RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation | isoquinolines | |
| lobeline | |||
| lobelane | lobelane: structure in first source | ||
| mrk 560 | MRK 560: a gamma-secretase inhibitor; MRK-560 is the (cis)-isomer; structure in first source |