Neurotransmitter transporter

Neurotransmitter transporters are a type of membrane transport protein that span the cellular membranes of neurons. Their primary function is to carry neurotransmitters across these membranes and into or out of the synaptic cleft, where they can be recycled.

Function

Neurotransmitter transporters can be found in the cell membrane of a neuron, the membrane of vesicles, and in the membrane that surrounds the synapse. They are responsible for returning used neurotransmitters back into the neuronal cell body where they can be reused. This is necessary because neurotransmitters are generally too large and polar to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane.

Types

There are several different types of neurotransmitter transporters, including:

• Monoamine transporters, which transport dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
• Glutamate transporters, which transport glutamate.
• GABA transporters, which transport gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• Glycine transporters, which transport glycine.

Clinical significance

Neurotransmitter transporters are the target of a number of different types of drugs, including antidepressants, anxiolytics, and stimulants. These drugs work by binding to the transporter and blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, thereby increasing the amount of that neurotransmitter available in the synaptic cleft.

See also

• Neurotransmitter
• Membrane transport protein
• Synaptic cleft
• Neuron

References

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