
What is the meaning of reuptake?
Medical Definition of reuptake : the reabsorption by a neuron of a neurotransmitter following the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse antidepressants which block the reuptake of norepinephrine
What is reuptake of neurotransmitters?
Reuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal (i.e., the pre-synaptic neuron at a synapse) or glial cell after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulse . Reuptake is necessary for normal synaptic physiology...
What is reabsorption reuptake?
Reuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal (i.e., the pre-synaptic neuron at a synapse) or glial cell after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulse .
Why is reuptake necessary for normal synaptic physiology?
Reuptake is necessary for normal synaptic physiology because it allows for the recycling of neurotransmitters and regulates the level of neurotransmitter present in the synapse, thereby controlling how long a signal resulting from neurotransmitter release lasts.

What happens when reuptake occurs?
Reuptake is what happens after a signal is transmitted: The neurotransmitter, its "work" completed, is reabsorbed back into the cell that previously released it.
What is reuptake process?
n. the process by which neurotransmitter molecules that have been released at a synapse are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron that released them. Reuptake is performed by transporter proteins in the presynaptic membrane.
What does reuptake of a drug mean?
Reuptake: The reabsorption of a secreted substance by the cell that originally produced and secreted it. The process of reuptake, for example, affects serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger). It is produced by nerve cells in the brain and is used by nerves to communicate with one another.
What happens when reuptake is blocked?
The reuptake process is susceptible to drug manipulation. By blocking the action of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SERTs), the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft increases.
What is an example of reuptake?
Reuptake: The reabsorption of a secreted substance by the cell that originally produced and secreted it. The process of reuptake, for example, affects serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger). It is produced by nerve cells in the brain and is used by nerves to communicate with one another.
Why does serotonin have reuptake?
After carrying a message, serotonin is usually reabsorbed by the nerve cells (known as "reuptake"). SSRIs work by blocking ("inhibiting") reuptake, meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells.
What does reuptake mean in simple terms?
Definition of reuptake : the reabsorption by a neuron of a neurotransmitter following the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse.
What is reuptake quizlet?
Reuptake. the process in which excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron. Acetylcholine. a neurotransmitter that enables learning and memory and also triggers muscle contraction.
What happens to neurotransmitters when the reuptake process is inhibited?
A reuptake inhibitor, also known as a transporter blocker, is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of a neurotransmitter from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron, leading to an increase in the extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter.
What is a reuptake inhibitor responsible for?
In the abbreviations SSRI and SNRI, the "RI" stands for "reuptake inhibitor." Reuptake inhibitors are a type of drug used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. They work by increasing the concentration of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, to alter mood.
What drugs block reuptake?
Citalopram (Celexa) Escitalopram (Lexapro) Fluoxetine (Prozac) Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
What drug blocks the reuptake of serotonin?
SSRIs — such as Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac — are believed to alleviate symptoms of depression, excessive worry and compulsivity by acting upon the brain's chemistry — specifically by blocking the breakdown and reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the spaces between neurons.
What does reuptake mean in simple terms?
Definition of reuptake : the reabsorption by a neuron of a neurotransmitter following the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse.
What is the difference between uptake and reuptake?
Basically, uptake is when the receiver gets it while reuptake is when the sender sucks it back in.
What is reuptake quizlet?
Reuptake. the process in which excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron. Acetylcholine. a neurotransmitter that enables learning and memory and also triggers muscle contraction.
What is an example of a reuptake inhibitor?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include drugs such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. Also called SSRI.
What is reuptake in neurology?
Reuptake. A synapse during re-uptake. Note that some neurotransmitters are lost and not reabsorbed. Reuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal (i.e., the pre-synaptic neuron at a synapse) or glial cell after it has performed its function ...
Why is reuptake important in the synapse?
Reuptake is necessary for normal synaptic physiology because it allows for the recycling of neurotransmitters and regulates the level of neurotransmitter present in the synapse, there by controlling how long a signal resulting from neurotransmitter release lasts. Because neurotransmitters are too large and hydrophilic to diffuse through the membrane, specific transport proteins are necessary for the reabsorption of neurotransmitters. Much research, both biochemical and structural, has been performed to obtain clues about the mechanism of reuptake.
How does a reuptake inhibitor affect the neuron?
Depending on the neuronal system in question, a reuptake inhibitor can have drastic effects on cognition and behavior. Non-competitive inhibition of the bacterial homologue LeuT by tricyclic antidepressants resulted from binding of these inhibitors in the extracellular permeation pathway. However, the competitive nature of serotonin transport inhibition by antidepressants suggests that in neurotransmitter transporters, they bind in a site overlapping the substrate site.
Why are specific transport proteins necessary for the reabsorption of neurotransmitters?
Because neurotransmitters are too large and hydrophilic to diffuse through the membrane, specific transport proteins are necessary for the reabsorption of neurotransmitters. Much research, both biochemical and structural, has been performed to obtain clues about the mechanism of reuptake.
When was the first reuptake protein sequence published?
The first primary sequence of a reuptake protein was published in 1990. The technique for protein sequence determination relied upon the purification, sequencing, and cloning of the transporter protein in question, or expression cloning strategies in which transport function was used as an assay for cDNA species coding for that transporter.
What happens after ion and substrate binding?
After ion and substrate binding have taken place, some conformational change must occur. From the conformational differences between the structure of TMs 1-5 and that of TMs 6-10, and from the identification of a substrate permeation pathway between the binding site of SERT and the cytoplasm, a mechanism for conformational change was proposed in which a four-helix bundle composed of TMs 1, 2, 6 and 7 changes its orientation within the rest of the protein. A structure of LeuT in the inward-open conformation subsequently demonstrated that the major component of the conformational change represents movement of the bundle relative to the rest of the protein.
How do reuptake inhibitors work?
These drugs block the reuptake of one or more neurotransmitters by binding with the reuptake transporter. This provides a temporary increase in the amount of neurotransmitter present in the synapse , which can provide short-term relief of symptoms associated with neurotransmitter imbalance, including depression, anxiety, focus, concentration and memory.
What happens after reuptake inhibition?
After Reuptake Inhibition (Over time) Once this additional depletion has occurred due to the use of reuptake inhibitors, a person feels worse than they did when they originally started the medications and they often require more aggressive interventions in order to correct these imbalances.
Why is neurotransmitter reuptake important?
The Importance of Neurotransmitter Reuptake. The process of moving the neurotransmitters from the synapse back into the axon of the neuron is called “neurotransmitter reuptake”, and it play s a crucial role in long-term health.
How do neurotransmitters work?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help relay information throughout the body. They transmit information through specialized nerve cells called neurons. How this works is that a signal is sent from the beginning of neuron (called the dendrite) to the other end (called the axon). At that point, information can be sent to other neurons ...
What enzymes are involved in the synapse?
When neurotransmitters are in the synapse (the space between neurons) they are exposed to a number of enzymes (including monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT)) that metabolize (i.e., degrade/destroy) the neurotransmitters.
How long does it take for a neurotransmitter to deplete?
However, it also exposes these neurotransmitters to degradation over time by the MAO and COMT enzymes, which can cause further depletion in these neurotransmitter with time. For some people, this can occur in hours; with others it may take years. When it does happen, it usually appears that the drugs “quit working”.
Why is reuptake a problem?
However, if you have significantly low levels of a neurotransmitter, reuptake can be a problem as it restricts the amount of neurotransmitters being actively circulated in the brain.
Why are reuptake inhibitors selective?
Some of these reuptake inhibitors are classified as selective because they only bind to certain proteins, while others are nonspecific because they bind to a broad range of proteins. The choice of reuptake inhibitor depends largely on the condition being treated and the mechanism of action of the drug.
What is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs work by blocking the serotonin transporter in neurons, which results in higher levels and greater activity of the feel-good chemical. They are typically used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. 3.
What are the types of reuptake inhibitors?
Types of Reuptake Inhibitors. The reuptake inhibitors used to treat mood disorders are classified by the types of neurotransmitter pathway they block. The drugs are able to do this by binding one or several different proteins, called transporters, which are responsible for carrying the chemical between cells.
How do NRIs work?
NRIs work by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter. These are commonly used to treat MDD, anxiety, panic disorder, narcolepsy, and ADHD. 8
Does reuptake inhibitor affect mood?
To this end, limiting reuptake increases the extracellular concentrations of these chemicals 1 and, by doing so, increases their ability to exert positive effects on your mood. Because reuptake inhibitors limit the reabsorption of certain neurotransmitters, these medications are able to increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in ...
What is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) This commonly prescribed type of antidepressant can help you overcome depression. Discover how SSRIs improve mood and what side effects they may cause. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
What is the purpose of SSRIs?
Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons. This makes more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages between neurons. SSRIs are called selective because they mainly affect serotonin, ...
Why are SSRIs selective?
SSRIs are called selective because they mainly affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters. SSRIs may also be used to treat conditions other than depression, such as anxiety disorders.
How does reuptake work?
When an action potential reaches the synapse between two neurons, the pre-synaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters to transport the chemical signal across the synapse by binding to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. Reuptake is achieved by transporter proteins which reabsorb the extracellular neurotransmitter back into the pre-synaptic neuron for reuse. Reuptake can determine the extent, duration, and spatial domain of receptor activation.
What is a reuptake inhibitor?
A reuptake inhibitor, also known as a transporter blocker, is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of a neurotransmitter from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron, leading to an increase in the extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter.
Which neurotransmitter is reuptake inhibitor?
Most known reuptake inhibitors affect the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. However, there are also a number of pharmaceuticals and research chemicals that act as reuptake inhibitors for other neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA, glycine, adenosine, choline (the precursor of acetylcholine ), ...
What is the action potential of a pre-synaptic neuron?
When an action potential reaches the synapse between two neurons, the pre-synaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters to transport the chemical signal across the synapse by binding to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. Reuptake is achieved by transporter proteins which reabsorb the extracellular neurotransmitter back into ...
How SNRIs work
SNRIs ease depression by affecting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between brain cells. Like most antidepressants, SNRIs work by ultimately effecting changes in brain chemistry and communication in brain nerve cell circuitry known to regulate mood, to help relieve depression.
SNRIs approved to treat depression
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these SNRIs to treat depression:
Side effects and cautions
All SNRIs work in a similar way and generally can cause similar side effects, though some people may not experience any side effects. Side effects are usually mild and go away after the first few weeks of treatment. Taking your medication with food may reduce nausea.
Safety issues
SNRIs are safe for most people. However, in some circumstances they can cause problems. For example:
Suicide risk and antidepressants
Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the FDA requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions.
Stopping treatment with SNRIs
SNRIs are not considered addictive. However, stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses may cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Withdrawal-like symptoms may be more likely to occur with venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine, though they can occur when any SNRI is stopped abruptly.
Finding the right antidepressant
People may react differently to the same antidepressant. For example, a particular drug may work better — or not as well — for you than for another person. Or you may have more, or fewer, side effects from taking a specific antidepressant than someone else does.

Overview
Reuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal (i.e., the pre-synaptic neuron at a synapse) or glial cell after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulse.
Reuptake is necessary for normal synaptic physiology because it allows for th…
Protein structure
The first primary sequence of a reuptake protein was published in 1990. The technique for protein sequence determination relied upon the purification, sequencing, and cloning of the transporter protein in question, or expression cloning strategies in which transport function was used as an assay for cDNA species coding for that transporter. After separation, it was realized that there were many similarities between the two DNA sequences. Further exploration in the field of reupt…
Mechanism of action
The classic transporter proteins use transmembrane ion gradients and electrical potential to transport neurotransmitter across the membrane of the presynaptic neuron. Typical neurotransmitter sodium symport (NSS) transporters, which are Na and Cl ion dependent, take advantage of both Na and Cl gradients, inwardly directed across the membrane. The ions flow down their concentration gradients, in many cases leading to transmembrane charge movemen…
Mechanism of reuptake inhibition
The main objective of a reuptake inhibitor is to substantially decrease the rate by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron, increasing the concentration of neurotransmitter in the synapse. This increases neurotransmitter binding to pre- and postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors. Depending on the neuronal system in question, a reuptake inhibitor can have drastic effects on cognition and behavior. Non-competitive inhibition of the bacterial h…
Human systems
Horschitz et al. examined reuptake inhibitor selectivity among the rat serotonin reuptake protein (SERT) expressed in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-SERT). They presented SERT with varying doses of either citalopram (an SSRI) or desipramine (an inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake protein, NET). By examining the dose-response curves (using a normal medium as control), they were able to quantify that citalopram acted on SERT as an SSRI, and that desipramine had no eff…
Neuroprotective role
Astrocytes seem to utilize reuptake mechanisms for a neuroprotective role. Astrocytes use excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2, aka GLT-1) to remove glutamate from the synapse. EAAT2 knockout mice were more prone to lethal and spontaneous seizures and acute brain injuries among the cortex. These effects could be linked to increased concentrations of glutamate in the brains of EAAT2 knockout mice, analyzed post-mortem.
The Importance of Neurotransmitter Reuptake
The Problem with Reuptake Inhibitors
- Herein lies one of the major downsides to many medications that are traditionally used to alter neurotransmitter function – including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs block the reuptake of one or more neurotransmitters by binding w…
Correcting Depletion Due to Reuptake Inhibitors
- The only known way to increase the total amount of neurotransmitter in the system is through amino acid therapy. Amino acid therapyinvolves providing the body the building blocks that it needs to make more neurotransmitters. Over time, this will restore depleted neurotransmitter levels in the axon as well as provide sufficient neurotransmitter in the synapse to optimize functi…